The phrase "took place of" refers to something that has replaced or substituted something else. The antonyms for this phrase include words like surrender, concede, yield, relinquish, abandon, and renounce. These words typically signify a giving up of control or power, rather than a substitution. Alternatively, antonyms like maintain, retain, preserve, safeguard, and esteem signify a keeping or holding onto something, rather than replacing it. It is important to understand the context in which "took place of" is being used to accurately identify appropriate antonyms. In some cases, there may not be a suitable antonym depending on the specific meaning and intent behind the phrase.