1
2
3
as in to replace
to take the place of inefficient methods displaced by newer ones

Synonyms & Similar Words

4

Synonym Chooser

How is the word displace distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of displace are replace, supersede, and supplant. While all these words mean "to put out of a usual or proper place or into the place of another," displace implies an ousting or dislodging.

war had displaced thousands

When can replace be used instead of displace?

The synonyms replace and displace are sometimes interchangeable, but replace implies a filling of a place once occupied by something lost, destroyed, or no longer usable or adequate.

replaced the broken window

When is supersede a more appropriate choice than displace?

In some situations, the words supersede and displace are roughly equivalent. However, supersede implies replacing a person or thing that has become superannuated, obsolete, or otherwise inferior.

the new edition supersedes all previous ones

In what contexts can supplant take the place of displace?

While the synonyms supplant and displace are close in meaning, supplant implies either a dispossessing or usurping of another's place, possessions, or privileges or an uprooting of something and its replacement with something else.

was abruptly supplanted in her affections by another

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of displace At least half of the people displaced had lived in the municipality of Delmas, hard hit by recent gang violence. Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 8 Mar. 2025 More than 42,000 Haitians displaced The primary task of the council remains restoring security in order to prepare for elections, a point Jean emphasized during his address. Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 8 Mar. 2025 The American Red Cross is assisting the families who were displaced. Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 7 Mar. 2025 Since generative AI and LLMs became the catchphrase of the tech industry, the conversation around work has been largely one of pessimism, where AI automates almost everything and displaces most people in the global workforce. Kolawole Samuel Adebayo, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for displace
Recent Examples of Synonyms for displace
Verb
  • Following the act of protest, the referee of the University of Maryland match -- which was not an NCAA tournament -- issued a black card to Turner, removing her from the competition.
    Leah Sarnoff, ABC News, 4 Apr. 2025
  • Karl Mitchell is speaking with PEOPLE after officials in Nevada seized his seven tigers on Wednesday Comments Authorities in Nevada removed seven tigers from a residence in Parumph early Wednesday morning.
    Chris Spargo, People.com, 3 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • There followed a surreal half-time chat between Chapman and Poyet about his dismissal, with the game relegated to a sideshow, as fellow pundit Efan Ekoku shifted awkwardly in his seat.
    Tom Burrows, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2025
  • The herb once relegated to savory cooking has begun popping up in cocktails, as more bartenders enlist its unique flavor to liven up recipes.
    Kevin Gray, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • One giant map replaces the four individual tracks from past games, and racers will be much more immersed as the game seamlessly transitions through various regions — like sandy deserts, snowy tundras, sprawling cities, rainy villages and much more.
    Jordan Moreau, Variety, 3 Apr. 2025
  • Brianna, Holly and Miguel will enter the Atlantic rotation for 2025 and beyond, while Jake will replace John in the Pacific rotation.
    Phaedra Trethan, USA Today, 3 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • On July 10, Jane became queen but was deposed nine days later after her support melted away in the wake of an uprising by Mary’s supporters.
    Pan Pylas, Chicago Tribune, 9 Mar. 2025
  • But they, along with Pino’s brother, who was also deposed, detailed actions Pino took that could be seen as preparations for the end of his life.
    Catherine Odom, Miami Herald, 6 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • By 2019, Mush had relocated to Chicago and was pulling in $5 million in annual sales.
    Chloe Sorvino, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
  • But with Pokrovsk itself heavily defended and the military supplies previously situated there largely relocated, Russia’s main effort in the area could be to push westward, rather than north.
    Andrew Carey and Kosta Gak, CNN Money, 9 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Each player was banished from his professional sport for life.
    Martin Edel, Sportico.com, 7 Apr. 2025
  • Inspired by a children’s book series by Colin Thompson, this movie focuses on an evil king (who happens to be Betty’s grandfather) who banished music and magic from the land.
    Dina Gachman, New York Times, 4 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • In November 2024, a superseding indictment was unsealed in a Brooklyn federal court for charges stemming from murders allegedly ordered and committed by national leaders, members and associates of MS-13.
    Jonathan Limehouse, USA Today, 27 Mar. 2025
  • This month prosecutors from the U.S. Attorney’s Office in San Diego filed a superseding indictment against Lundy and two co-defendants that further accused Lundy of conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and money laundering.
    Alex Riggins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • The number of sites, and whether they are secured, has been a mystery since rebels toppled Mr. al-Assad last year.
    Megha Rajagopalan, New York Times, 6 Apr. 2025
  • Rafah residents said most of the local population had followed Israel's order to leave, as Israeli strikes toppled buildings there.
    Nidal al-Mughrabi and Mahmoud Issa, USA Today, 4 Apr. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Displace.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/displace. Accessed 17 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on displace

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!