Synonyms of supplant

supplant

verb

sə-ˈplant 

as in to replace

to take the place of

old traditions that were fading away and being supplanted by modern ways

Synonyms & Similar Words

• replace
• supersede
• substitute
• displace
• relieve
• usurp
• displant
• preempt
• cut out

Synonym Chooser

How is the word supplant distinct from other similar verbs?

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

When is it sensible to use displace instead of supplant?

Although the words displace and supplant have much in common, displace implies an ousting or dislodging.

war had displaced thousands

When could replace be used to replace supplant?

In some situations, the words replace and supplant are roughly equivalent. However, replace implies a filling of a place once occupied by something lost, destroyed, or no longer usable or adequate.

replaced the broken window

When can supersede be used instead of supplant?

The words supersede and supplant are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, supersede implies replacing a person or thing that has become superannuated, obsolete, or otherwise inferior.

the new edition supersedes all previous ones

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of supplant

JetBlue Airways, which has supplanted defunct Spirit Airlines as the busiest air carrier at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, intends to expand its operations to 150 daily flights by February 2027, the carrier’s president told the South Florida Sun Sentinel on Friday. —David Lyons, Sun Sentinel, 22 May 2026

The submarine proposal appears to be not an effort to supplant those three companies, but rather envisions Isar’s role as an industrial and technical enabler of the Canadian efforts. —Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 22 May 2026

The January arrivals of Jorgen Strand Larsen and Brennan Johnson were supplanted by Marc Guehi’s departure to Manchester City and Glasner’s decision to leave at the end of the season. —Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 21 May 2026

Rocker, who supplanted opener Tyler Alexander in the second inning, pitched 7 2/3 innings, allowing three hits and striking out seven. —Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 20 May 2026