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
Examples of replace in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the WebThe jet was built to replace the EA-6B Prowler, and first went into production in October 2004.
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The jet made its inaugural flight in August 2006, and the first delivery of the aircraft was made on June 3, 2008, to VAQ 129 at NAS Whidbey Island.—Greg Wehner, Fox News, 23 Oct. 2024 To comply, software suppliers will need to remove the offending component and replace the functionality.—Forrester, Forbes, 23 Oct. 2024 The Suns fired head coach Frank Vogel after one season, replacing him with former Milwaukee Bucks head coach Mike Budenholzer.—Jeremy Duda, Axios, 22 Oct. 2024 Vitamin and mineral supplementation: Low levels of some vitamins or minerals need to be replaced carefully.—Amber J. Tresca, Verywell Health, 11 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for replace
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.
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