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

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 replace The new system replaces the former I-20 westbound to I-285 southbound loop ramp as part of a broader effort to modernize the interchange. —

Daniel Wilkerson, CBS News, 4 June 2026 Discovered at just 12 years old and hand-picked by Mercedes-AMG F1 supremo Toto Wolff to replace Lewis Hamilton only five years later, Antonelli’s life hasn’t exactly been average. —

Jerry Perez, The Drive, 4 June 2026 Can fiber gummies replace high fiber snacks? —

Ryan Brennan, Sacbee.com, 4 June 2026 The training in patience that people used to get from thorough research and investigation is being replaced by a growing sense of impatience with thinking that takes time and effort. —

Christian B. Miller, The Conversation, 4 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for replace

Recent Examples of Synonyms for replace

Verb

The Southern Poverty Law Center asked a federal judge on Wednesday to consider sanctioning federal prosecutors, after the Justice Department shared an unsigned and unstamped copy of a superseding indictment against the nonprofit with members of the media.

— Sarah N. Lynch, CBS News, 4 June 2026
One new features of the Motive AI Dashcam Plus is the ability to detect road signs, so drivers can be sure of speed changes that supersede outdated satnav information.

— James Morris, Forbes.com, 31 May 2026