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 If approved, the applicant is generally responsible for the cost of replacing street signs. —

Dante Motley, Austin American Statesman, 20 Mar. 2026 Niccol also reflects on lessons from his time at Chipotle, the importance of building teams that tell the truth, how CEOs make decisions under pressure, and why technologies like AI should enhance — not replace — human connection. —

Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 19 Mar. 2026 The feature will not replace standard ride matching. —

Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 19 Mar. 2026 The company’s first chief exec was Fredrik af Malmborg, who stepped down in 2023, with Kloiber replacing him while also leading Night Train, which had acquired the company in 2022 from Korea’s CJ ENM. —

Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 19 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for replace

Recent Examples of Synonyms for replace

Verb

Overall, the carjacking ring involved about 60 carjackings, including 29 that were charged in the superseding indictment.

— Tom Ignudo, CBS News, 20 Mar. 2026
The Iran war, in other words, seems to be superseding earlier grievances and instead uniting disparate extremist forces against the United States.

— Jacob Ware, Boston Herald, 20 Mar. 2026