supplant

as in to replace
to take the place of old traditions that were fading away and being supplanted by modern ways

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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

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 supplant Ahead of the 25th season of their ballpark, the Houston Astros agreed to a 15-year exclusive stadium naming rights deal with Daikin, supplanting Coca-Cola’s Minute Maid as the naming rights sponsor. Jason Clinkscales, Sportico.com, 18 Nov. 2024 Despite the growing calls for free trade and progressive taxation, the movement to supplant regressive tariffs with progressive taxes faced numerous obstacles. Ajay K. Mehrotra / Made By History, TIME, 29 Oct. 2024 Film and radio would eventually be combined into television—creating an even greater detachment from the performance at its core while supplanting human connection with strategic dopamine sparks. Todd Eckert, WIRED, 8 Dec. 2024 The Malay language was then supplanted by Cape Dutch, a precursor to Afrikaans. H.m.a. Leow, JSTOR Daily, 7 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for supplant 

Thesaurus Entries Near supplant

Cite this Entry

“Supplant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/supplant. Accessed 23 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on supplant

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