replace

verb

re·​place ri-ˈplās 

replaced; replacing; replaces

transitive verb

1

: to restore to a former place or position

replace cards in a file

2

: to take the place of especially as a substitute or successor

3

: to put something new in the place of

replace a worn carpet

replaceable

ri-ˈplā-sə-bəl 

adjective

replacer noun

Synonyms

• cut out
• displace
• displant
• relieve
• substitute
• supersede
• supplant

Choose the Right Synonym for replace

replace, displace, supplant, supersede 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

displace implies an ousting or dislodging.

war had displaced thousands

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

supersede implies replacing a person or thing that has become superannuated, obsolete, or otherwise inferior.

the new edition supersedes all previous ones

Examples of replace in a Sentence

Will computers ever completely replace books?

Paper bags have been largely replaced by plastic bags.

She was hired to replace the previous manager.

I replaced the old rug with a new one.

They recently replaced the old phone system.

The team's manager was replaced last season.

The patient needed a transfusion to replace lost blood.

They've appointed a new minister to replace the one who just retired.

I guess it's finally time to replace the stove.

He carefully replaced the vase on the shelf.

Recent Examples on the Web

The Titans also lost their top three scorers from that team, so there is a lot of production that needs to be replaced and cohesion to be developed as the team heads into its season opener at reigning WAC champion Grand Canyon on Monday at 6 p.m. PT. —Staff Report, Orange County Register, 4 Nov. 2024

This trend is likely to accelerate, with the narrow focus on profits now replaced by concerns about climate change and inequality. —S. Venkatesh, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024

McCaffrey was unexpectedly pulled as a starter ahead of the season opener and was replaced by Jordan Mason just minutes before the matchup started. —David Faris, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024

Republicans have already all but gotten that down to 50-50, with West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin, an independent who caucuses with Democrats, retiring, likely assuring that GOP Gov. Jim Justice will replace him in one of the deepest red states in the country. —Tal Axelrod, ABC News, 4 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1587, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

replace

verb

re·​place ri-ˈplās 

1

: to put back in a proper or former place

replace a card in a file

2

: to take the place of

paper money has replaced gold coins

3

: to put something new in the place of

replace a broken dish

replaceable

-ˈplā-sə-bəl 

adjective