replace

1
as in to supersede
to take the place of the old street lights were replaced by more energy-efficient models

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
2
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

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 Public information campaigns can replace stigma with practical knowledge for women, partners, managers, and clinicians. Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2025 Now job seekers are using fast and inexpensive AI tools to replace costly studio sessions. Krysta Escobar, CNBC, 18 Oct. 2025 The Internet has replaced the open field as a place of gathering. Vogue, 18 Oct. 2025 Damari Brown replaced Xavier Lucas as the other starting cornerback, but Lucas ended up playing far more snaps (45 to 17). Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 18 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for replace
Recent Examples of Synonyms for replace
Verb
  • The grand jury indictment supersedes the criminal complaint and allows the criminal case to skip the preliminary hearing phase and move toward a trial.
    Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Innovation and usefulness shouldn't supersede humanity In the film, Dillinger refers to Ares as Master Control.
    Elisabeth Sherman, Parents, 7 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • One such star who is already confirmed to return is Kittle.
    MSNBC Newsweek, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Oct. 2025
  • According to Netflix, Emma Hernan, Chrishell, Chelsea Lazkani, Alanna Gold, Mary Bonnet, Amanza Smith, and Bre Tiesi are among those returning, in addition to brokers Jason and Brett Oppenheim.
    Emily Blackwood, PEOPLE, 18 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Al-Sudani, who rose to power after that upheaval, insisted his government had taken tangible steps to restore public trust, such as economic progress and political stability.
    Emma Graham, CNBC, 15 Oct. 2025
  • To that end, the organization works in partnership with archives, film libraries, museums and studios to restore works and develop access strategies through programming in festivals, cinematheques and educational institutions around the world.
    Ed Meza, Variety, 14 Oct. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Replace.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/replace. Accessed 20 Oct. 2025.

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!