DISPLACE Synonyms: 128 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

displace

verb

(ˌ)dis-ˈplās

Definition of displace next

as in to remove

to change the place or position of the slight tremor displaced the dishes on the shelves, but didn't do any real damage

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to relegate

to force to leave a country World War II displaced people all over Europe

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to replace

to take the place of inefficient methods displaced by newer ones

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in to depose

to remove from a position of prominence or power (as a throne) the CEO was summarily displaced after the hostile takeover

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Examples 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 Overall, about 5,000 people have been killed by gang violence this year, and more than 700,000 displaced, according to the UN. —

Harriet Marsden, theweek, 15 Dec. 2024 On the other hand, the specifically Colombian perspective was entrusted to Laura Mora, known for directing projects such as Pablo Escobar: El patrón del mal and The Kings of the World, a film about young people displaced to the countryside as a result of violence in Medellín. —

Fernanda Pérez Sánchez, Vogue, 14 Dec. 2024 The fire displaced seven people and also killed the family’s five chihuahuas, KTLA5 reported. —

Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 13 Dec. 2024 More than 14 million Syrians have been displaced from their homes as a result of the Syrian civil war, which began in 2011. —

April Rubin, Axios, 12 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for displace

Recent Examples of Synonyms for displace

Verb

The cover is sturdy and hardly noticeable, so the cleaning staff will likely not remove it.

Jillian Dara, Travel + Leisure, 22 Dec. 2024
The version that passed on Friday removed the provision.

Gord Magill, Newsweek, 21 Dec. 2024