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 center has confirmed Trump’s chairmanship, alongside a slate of new board members appointed to replace trustees previously installed by Democratic presidents. —

Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 14 Feb. 2025 Ben Affleck replaces pal Matt Damon to star in crime thriller Animals Sign up for Entertainment Weekly's free daily newsletter to get breaking TV news, exclusive first looks, recaps, reviews, interviews with your favorite stars, and more. —

Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 13 Feb. 2025 Previous reporting has suggested that the next-generation iPhone SE could replace both the current SE and the iPhone 14 series in the iPhone lineup, since the new phone is expected to ship with an iPhone 14-style design with an edge-to-edge display and a notch cutout. —

Ars Technica, 13 Feb. 2025 Ben James, 28, has replaced Bonsall, alongside the trio of Duane Allen, William Lee Golden, and Richard Sterban. —

Marcus K. Dowling, The Tennessean, 3 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for replace

Recent Examples of Synonyms for replace

Verb

The grand jury indictment supersedes criminal complaints filed by federal prosecutors last month as a result of the investigation conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

— Rosalio Ahumada, Sacramento Bee, 7 Feb. 2025
The 57-page superseding indictment reads like a television drama, weaving a tale of influence, obedience, intimidation, an internal power struggle, drugs, guns and murder spanning multiple states and including local, regional and national chapters of the Sin City Deciples.

— Meredith Colias-Pete, Chicago Tribune, 31 Jan. 2025