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

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 Russia began its full-scale invasion of Ukraine nearly three years ago in an uninterrupted onslaught that has killed tens of thousands and displaced about 10 million people. —

Simone McCarthy, CNN, 21 Feb. 2025 Israel's ensuing military offensive in Gaza has killed more than 48,000 Palestinians, according to the local Hamas-run Health Ministry, and forcibly displaced most of its 2.3 million population. —

Astha Rajvanshi, NBC News, 20 Feb. 2025 On Tuesday, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear told Morning Edition that he's been traveling across the state on a pontoon boat, mourning with the families of recently deceased residents and helping those who were displaced. —

Destinee Adams, NPR, 18 Feb. 2025 Opponents contend, however, that as the National Women’s Soccer League schedule typically lasts from March to November, BPS football teams would be displaced from White Stadium for much of their seasons. —

Gayla Cawley, Boston Herald, 18 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for displace

Recent Examples of Synonyms for displace

Verb

For this reason, you are being removed from your position with DOE and the federal civil service effective today.

— Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 14 Feb. 2025
The cup holder can also be removed for the car’s next owner, if that owner wants a more pure Bugatti experience.

— Erik Shilling, Robb Report, 14 Feb. 2025