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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of replaceThe area, between Broadway Boulevard and Central Street, W. 47th Street and Nichols Road, is currently the top of an outdated underground parking garage that needs replacing.—Eric Adler, Kansas City Star, 21 Mar. 2025 He has since been hierarchically replaced by the younger White, who is currently a better two-way player.—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 21 Mar. 2025 The grant would have allowed Butte to replace hazardous dead trees, while also staffing up the urban forestry department.—Eva Tesfaye, NPR, 21 Mar. 2025 The vacancy on the Hobart City Council resulted in the calling of a caucus of the Lake County Democratic Party which allows political parties to replace members who die or leave office.—Deborah Laverty, Chicago Tribune, 21 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for replace
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.
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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.
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Alex Riggins,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
22 Mar. 2025
His wife spent years observing him tirelessly work during tumultuous times to restore stability and order to the community.
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J.M. Banks,
Kansas City Star,
23 Mar. 2025
He's also developed a neat sideline in collecting and restoring cast iron skillets, with videos of his efforts regularly posted to Instagram under the handle castiron_kyle and hosts the Full Slice Pod with two of his friends.
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