supersede

verb

su·per·sede | \ ˌsü-pər-ˈsēd

superseded; superseding

Definition of supersede

transitive verb

1a : to cause to be set aside

b : to force out of use as inferior

2 : to take the place or position of

3 : to displace in favor of another

Other Words from supersede Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym Example Sentences Learn More about supersede

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Choose the Right Synonym for supersede

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 supersede in a Sentence

Fortunately, the scientific enterprise has its own self-correcting mechanisms that eventually sort things out. Studies that are wrong will be superseded by better studies with different results. Studies that are right will be corroborated by other good studies. — Harriet Hall, Skeptic, 2007 The ancient human carriers of information and understanding—elders, priests, bards, teachers, and community members—are superseded by a more durable and efficient medium, the printed word. — M. Rex Miller, The Millennium Matrix, 2004 Upgrading America's too-old, too-slow telephone network, which took about a century to build, is a massive task. But if you believe predictions that the Internet will one day supersede the telephone as the world's primary means of communications, these companies will be road kill if they simply sit by the wayside. — Bethany McLean, Fortune, 6 Dec. 1999 This edition supersedes the previous one. Former stars were being superseded by younger actors.

Recent Examples on the Web

This is not the best deal for the US The only way the US reaps most of the benefits from this deal, experts said, is if China and US sign a formal free-trade deal, since those agreements supersede WTO rules. — Alex Ward, Vox, "Trump’s car deal with China is great — for other countries," 3 Dec. 2018 Wilson made the decision to go all in on the project, dropping out of law school at the University of Texas, as if to confirm his belief that technology supersedes law. — Adam Fisher, WIRED, "A Landmark Legal Shift Opens Pandora’s Box for DIY Guns," 10 July 2018 However, unless and until both the EU and the U.K. agree that the Ireland border issue has been superseded, Britain couldn’t unilaterally exit the customs area without the EU’s agreement. — Stephen Fidler, WSJ, "An Explainer on the 585-page Brexit Deal," 14 Nov. 2018 The needs of the next generation of young women superseded my own personal embarrassment of talking about my period or this icky disease. — Tess Kornfeld, Glamour, "We Asked Padma Lakshmi: What's Your Most Irrational Fear?," 6 Dec. 2018 Luckily, paperwork is an easy way to supersede the next-of-kin list. — Ace Ratcliff, SELF, "6 Things You Should Do Now to Prepare for Your Own Funeral," 30 Aug. 2018 This will supersede a jumble of interest rates (see chart) that has left the Turkish currency perilously close to submersion. — The Economist, "Turkey’s central bank has streamlined its fight against inflation," 31 May 2018 The news will come as a shock to the man Rose has superseded, Ryan Bertrand, after the 28 year old's consistent performances for the Three Lions in recent years, as well as another steady season for Southampton in their relegation battle. — SI.com, "Danny Rose Set to Be Included in England's World Cup Squad With Ryan Bertrand Missing Out," 15 May 2018 But would these resolutions really supersede state law? — Andrea Diaz And Marlena Baldacci, CNN, "In rural Illinois, officials are creating 'sanctuary' counties to protect gun owners from new laws," 8 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'supersede.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.