replace

verb

re·​place ri-ˈplās How to pronounce replace (audio)
replaced; replacing; replaces

transitive verb

1
: to restore to a former place or position
replace cards in a file
2
: to take the place of especially as a substitute or successor
3
: to put something new in the place of
replace a worn carpet
replaceable adjective
replacer noun
Choose the Right Synonym for replace

replace, displace, supplant, supersede 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

displace implies an ousting or dislodging.

war had displaced thousands

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 implies replacing a person or thing that has become superannuated, obsolete, or otherwise inferior.

the new edition supersedes all previous ones

Examples of replace in a Sentence

Will computers ever completely replace books? Paper bags have been largely replaced by plastic bags. She was hired to replace the previous manager. I replaced the old rug with a new one. They recently replaced the old phone system. The team's manager was replaced last season. The patient needed a transfusion to replace lost blood. They've appointed a new minister to replace the one who just retired. I guess it's finally time to replace the stove. He carefully replaced the vase on the shelf.
Recent Examples on the Web The improvement project also includes plans to update the stadium's audio/visual equipment and replace around 7,600 seats between the east and west club levels. Quinlan Bentley, The Enquirer, 13 Mar. 2024 In one short video, a small shop was seen replacing all its bottled water from Nongfu with Wahaha’s. Laura He, CNN, 13 Mar. 2024 City will only add money to debit cards for 28 days of food at a time The claim centers on a program that would replace the boxes of food provided to migrant families receiving shelter from the city of New York with preloaded debit cards. Nate Trela, USA TODAY, 13 Mar. 2024 Is the center just replacing one drug with another? Jessica Van Egeren, Journal Sentinel, 12 Mar. 2024 Last year's most popular home renovation trend involved replacing grass with clovers, according to the National Association of Realtors. Karl Schneider, The Indianapolis Star, 12 Mar. 2024 The team behind 2023 Japanese epic film Godzilla Minus One wore black boots and heels with Godzilla claws replacing their heels. Lindsay Kimble, Peoplemag, 11 Mar. 2024 Some expect these new aircraft to replace helicopters, both for local and regional travel, thanks to minimal noise and no emissions. Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 11 Mar. 2024 Marketers are concerned about the possibility of being replaced by machines. Rory Holland, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'replace.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1587, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of replace was in 1587

Dictionary Entries Near replace

Cite this Entry

“Replace.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/replace. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

replace

verb
re·​place ri-ˈplās How to pronounce replace (audio)
1
: to put back in a proper or former place
replace a card in a file
2
: to take the place of
paper money has replaced gold coins
3
: to put something new in the place of
replace a broken dish
replaceable adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on replace

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!