Thesaurus results for SUPPLANT

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

supplant

verb

sə-ˈplant

Definition of supplant next

as in to replace

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

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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

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 supplant Yes, one Evil Empire has supplanted another. —

Jim Alexander, Oc Register, 21 Mar. 2026 And yet, before last summer had even ended, the intrepid adventurism that brought the nation’s first big wave of tourism was supplanted with grousing and gripes. —

Tribune News Service, Baltimore Sun, 16 Mar. 2026 But relying on the military to supplant the role traditionally performed by civilian law enforcement entails risks in a region where military institutions and oversight are weaker, armed forces have a legacy of human rights abuses and corruption is a perennial challenge. —

Joshua Goodman The Associated Press, Arkansas Online, 6 Mar. 2026 The thinking from agents who spoke with The Post is that Denver could bring in depth to help supplant Franklin-Myers, but will likely rely on its pieces already in the building to fill the void. —

Luca Evans, Denver Post, 6 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for supplant

Recent Examples of Synonyms for supplant

Verb

Moss’ dour expression, over-relied upon for silent exposition throughout six seasons, conveys terror in the here and now, as well as for a future where fear is replaced by acquiescence.

— Ben Travers, IndieWire, 2 Apr. 2026
The clone in question is a nod to an ongoing TikTok conspiracy theory that suggests Gomez was replaced by a body double or a clone after her kidney transplant in 2017.

— Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 2 Apr. 2026

Definition of replace

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supping

supplant

supplantation

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“Supplant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/supplant. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.

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Synonyms of supplant

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