REPLACE Synonyms: 14 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'replace' distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of replace are displace , supersede , and supplant . While all these words mean "to put out of a usual or proper place or into the place of another," 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 it sensible to use 'displace' instead of 'replace'?

The words displace and replace are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, displace implies an ousting or dislodging. // war had displaced thousands

Q: When would 'supersede' be a good substitute for 'replace'?

While the synonyms supersede and replace are close in meaning, 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 'replace'?

The synonyms supplant and replace are sometimes interchangeable, but 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

replace

verb

ri-ˈplās

Definition of replace next

as in to supersede

to take the place of the old street lights were replaced by more energy-efficient models

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in to return

to bring, send, or put back to a former or proper place took the fragile vase down to look at it and then gently replaced it on the shelf

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

take
remove

Synonym Chooser

How is the word replace distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of replace are displace, supersede, and supplant. While all these words mean "to put out of a usual or proper place or into the place of another," 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 it sensible to use displace instead of replace?

The words displace and replace are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, displace implies an ousting or dislodging.

war had displaced thousands

When would supersede be a good substitute for replace?

While the synonyms supersede and replace are close in meaning, 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 replace?

The synonyms supplant and replace are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 replace Representatives of the seven states that draw from the river didn't meet formally, which is a bit of a shocker since the clock is ticking on an agreement to replace the expiring drought management plan. —

Shaun McKinnon, The Arizona Republic, 10 Dec. 2024 Trump badly wants to bring those old days back, replacing expertise with loyalty to him personally. —

John C. Ronquillo, Baltimore Sun, 9 Dec. 2024 Ali Vitali will take over as anchor of MSNBC’s morning news program Way Too Early, replacing Jonathan Lemire, beginning Jan. 6, according to Variety. —

Dave Nemetz, TVLine, 9 Dec. 2024 By the numbers: Middling results are replacing the days from 2008-2023 when Colorado boasted the fifth-fastest-growing gross domestic product and employment rates, and third-largest increase in personal income. —

John Frank, Axios, 9 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for replace

Recent Examples of Synonyms for replace

Verb

He will be arraigned on the superseding indictment in the coming days or weeks, according the U.S. Attorney’s office in L.A.

Brittny Mejia, Los Angeles Times, 14 Dec. 2024
But perhaps the most powerful insight of Sand-Catcher is that the call to bear witness shouldn’t supersede the right to privacy.

Bekah Waalkes, The Atlantic, 5 Dec. 2024