Thesaurus results for SUPERSEDE

Q: How is the word 'supersede' distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of supersede are displace , replace , and supplant . While all these words mean "to put out of a usual or proper place or into the place of another," supersede implies replacing a person or thing that has become superannuated, obsolete, or otherwise inferior. // the new edition supersedes all previous ones

Q: When is it sensible to use 'displace' instead of 'supersede'?

The synonyms displace and supersede are sometimes interchangeable, but displace implies an ousting or dislodging. // war had displaced thousands

Q: When can 'replace' be used instead of 'supersede'?

While the synonyms replace and supersede are close in meaning, replace implies a filling of a place once occupied by something lost, destroyed, or no longer usable or adequate. // replaced the broken window

Q: Where would 'supplant' be a reasonable alternative to 'supersede'?

The meanings of supplant and supersede largely overlap; however, 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

verb

ˌsü-pər-ˈsēd

Definition of supersede next

as in to replace

to take the place of that edition of the dictionary that you have has been superseded by a more recent one

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How is the word supersede distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of supersede are displace, replace, and supplant. While all these words mean "to put out of a usual or proper place or into the place of another," supersede implies replacing a person or thing that has become superannuated, obsolete, or otherwise inferior.

the new edition supersedes all previous ones

When is it sensible to use displace instead of supersede?

The synonyms displace and supersede are sometimes interchangeable, but displace implies an ousting or dislodging.

war had displaced thousands

When can replace be used instead of supersede?

While the synonyms replace and supersede are close in meaning, replace implies a filling of a place once occupied by something lost, destroyed, or no longer usable or adequate.

replaced the broken window

Where would supplant be a reasonable alternative to supersede?

The meanings of supplant and supersede largely overlap; however, 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

Examples 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 supersede The grand jury may, however, be used after indictment if the panel’s investigation is related to a superseding indictment — adding charges or defendants. —

William K. Rashbaum, New York Times, 10 Jan. 2025 The government filed a superseding complaint last month, charging him with securities fraud and conspiracy to commit securities fraud. —

Gene Maddaus, Variety, 7 Jan. 2025 When one dinner solution fizzles, there is always another, and another, which will be superseded by still more. —

Rachel Sugar, The Atlantic, 6 Jan. 2025 The world would turn against North Korea immediately, and any qualms about escalation would be superseded by its offensive use of nuclear weapons. —

Robert E. Kelly, Foreign Affairs, 30 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for supersede