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
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Recent Examples of replaceTo replace two of the units, Seely suggested in his presentation that ERCOT substitute with its Life Cycle Power mobile generation unites, which are currently leased to CenterPoint Energy, CNP, for emergency purposes.—Karoline Leonard, Austin American Statesman, 8 July 2025 There are no long tubes, no extra pieces, and no filters to replace.—Kaitlyn Gomez, USA Today, 8 July 2025 Andrew Vorhees is the clear favorite to replace Patrick Mekari at left guard and Nate Wiggins will be a Day 1 starter at outside corner in place of Brandon Stephens.—Jeff Zrebiec, New York Times, 8 July 2025 Before the referee had even dropped the whistle from his mouth, Erling Haaland galloped onto the pitch with a coach clearly tasked with readying him to replace Omar Marmoush at the break.—Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 27 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for replace
Some countries have specific legislation that supersedes private contractual arrangements, effectively nullifying termination clauses regardless of the circumstances that trigger them.
—
Mohaimina Haque,
Forbes.com,
9 July 2025
Federal, state and even municipal policy will supersede churches’ best efforts to support and perhaps even shield immigrations.
Gamble attended a tennis camp on campus and returned the following year for baseball.
—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
14 July 2025
As the Trump administration attempts to return the country to the Gilded Age, however, which for most of us will not resemble the glossy Julian Fellowes drama, Gale’s work seems again relevant.
—
Deborah Williams
July 14,
Literary Hub,
14 July 2025
Industry trade groups are lobbying Congress to reverse the Trump administration's proposal and restore the Office of Space Commerce's (OSC's) budget to this year's level of $65 million.
—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
10 July 2025
Putin dreams of not only restoring the Russian empire but also becoming the master power of Europe.
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