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 Ten Hag had replaced his center-forward Joshua Zirkzee with defensive midfielder Casemiro at halftime, presumably in an attempt to shut up shop and try to nick a goal on the break, but Spurs’s second goal, from Dejan Kulusevski, left this looking even more unlikely. James Nalton, Forbes, 29 Sep. 2024 His brother, Amin, replaced him, and under his leadership and with active American involvement and encouragement in May 1983 Lebanon and Israel signed an agreement for the establishment of normal bilateral relations. Ben Wedeman, CNN, 29 Sep. 2024 He was subsequently replaced by current anchor Lester Holt, and transitioned to a new role at MSNBC, before taking on The 11th Hour in 2016. Claire Franken, TVLine, 28 Sep. 2024 Use your weekly cleaning time to make notes about things that need replacing, updating, or discarding. Mary Catherine McAnnally Scott, Southern Living, 28 Sep. 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.

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 10 Oct. 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
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