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 most effective teams aren’t using AI to replace thinking. —

Jay Sen, Forbes.com, 25 June 2026 A lot of ink has been spilled on the programmers who got replaced by AI agents. —

Frank Landymore, Futurism, 25 June 2026 During that same time, almost 5,000 laterals were replaced or rehabilitated using state and MDC funding, which is typically a cost incurred by the homeowner and can cost upwards of $10,000, officials said. —

Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 25 June 2026 The event space is replacing Bailarin Cellars Winery, which closed in March 2025. —

Emma Hall, Sacbee.com, 25 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for replace

Recent Examples of Synonyms for replace

Verb

China has helped cushion the global oil shock, seen its clean energy tech exports surge and framed the war in Iran as another example in which Chinese leadership could supersede the US in ending global conflicts.

— Nadeen Ebrahim, CNN Money, 1 July 2026
State Attorney’s Office prosecutors originally charged Bradly Shawn Shadduck, 56, with second-degree murder, but the grand jury indictment supersedes that charge, and he is now being held without bond on premeditated murder.

— David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 29 June 2026

Definition of supersede

Verb

Heft, who first joined KCRA as an intern in June 2018 and returned in June 2021, said the move brings her within about a two-hour drive of family.

— Ruyuan Li. Summary produced by AI assistance, Sacbee.com, 26 June 2026
Officers returned gunfire, killing the suspect, whose name and age have not been released.

— DeJanay Booth-Singleton, CBS News, 26 June 2026