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 timing of the WhatsApp ad comes as Apple begins adding Rich Communication Services (RCS) support to iOS 18 to replace the aging SMS standard. —Tom Warren, The Verge, 18 June 2024

That’s when Bucky climbs atop a building and replaces the Nazi flag with the Stars and Stripes. —Jordan Riefe, Los Angeles Times, 18 June 2024

Following Trump’s tenure on The Apprentice from 2004 to 2015, NBC declined the longtime host's suggestion to have Ivanka Trump replace him. —Marina Watts, Peoplemag, 18 June 2024

These employees are not part of a union, and impacted workers with greater seniority will not replace workers with less seniority who still have jobs. —Cooper Metts, Charlotte Observer, 18 June 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