Synonyms of displace

displace

verb

(ˌ)dis-ˈplās 

1

as in to remove

to change the place or position of

the slight tremor displaced the dishes on the shelves, but didn't do any real damage

Synonyms & Similar Words

• remove
• relocate
• move
• transfer
• shift
• disturb
• replace
• transport
• reposition
• budge
• convey
• carry
• dislocate
• supplant
• transpose
• haul
• transmit
• supersede
• alter
• drive
• modify
• revise
• lug
• vary
• bear
• cart
• transplant
• remodel
• tote
• remake
• rework
• redo
• refashion
• revamp
• make over

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• stabilize
• secure
• set
• freeze
• anchor
• fix
• moor
• entrench
• root
• embed
• lodge
• implant
• ingrain

2

as in to relegate

to force to leave a country

World War II displaced people all over Europe

Synonyms & Similar Words

• relegate
• banish
• exile
• deport
• evict
• transport
• eliminate
• exclude
• expel
• dismiss
• eject
• expatriate
• oust
• run out
• spurn
• cast out
• ostracize
• dispossess
• reject
• kick out
• excommunicate
• expulse
• repudiate
• throw out

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• receive
• accept
• admit
• naturalize
• repatriate
• entertain
• take in
• shelter
• house
• harbor

3

as in to replace

to take the place of

inefficient methods displaced by newer ones

Synonyms & Similar Words

• replace
• supersede
• supplant
• relieve
• substitute
• usurp
• displant
• preempt
• cut out

4

as in to depose

to remove from a position of prominence or power (as a throne)

the CEO was summarily displaced after the hostile takeover

Synonyms & Similar Words

• depose
• topple
• unseat
• deprive
• dismiss
• sack
• dethrone
• oust
• unmake
• banish
• defrock
• supplant
• remove
• can
• usurp
• unthrone
• fire
• eject
• uncrown
• subvert
• expel
• overthrow
• retire
• extrude
• muster out
• cast out
• rout
• drum (out)
• chase
• discharge
• boot (out)
• run off
• cashier
• throw out
• bounce

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• crown
• initiate
• install
• invest
• appoint
• designate
• inaugurate
• enthrone
• elect
• baptize
• induct
• throne
• instate

Synonym Chooser

How is the word displace distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of displace are replace, supersede, and supplant. While all these words mean "to put out of a usual or proper place or into the place of another," displace implies an ousting or dislodging.

war had displaced thousands

When can replace be used instead of displace?

The synonyms replace and displace are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 supersede a more appropriate choice than displace?

In some situations, the words supersede and displace are roughly equivalent. However, 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 displace?

While the synonyms supplant and displace are close in meaning, 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

Recent Examples of displace

Over 2 million people have been displaced, with more than 60% of the country now outside government control. —Wilson McMakin, Los Angeles Times, 2 Apr. 2026

Israel’s invasion has caused a humanitarian crisis in Lebanon with over a million civilians displaced and more than 1,300 killed in Israeli attacks, according to Lebanon’s government. —Greg Dixon, NPR, 2 Apr. 2026

At least 5,200 people have been newly displaced, the International Organization for Migration said. —Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 1 Apr. 2026

There is also a growing body of credible evidence showing how EdTech inflicts emotional, cognitive, physical, and developmental harms on children, adolescents, and young adults, while displacing the human relationships that are essential to healthy human development and well-being. —Dr. Timothy Scott, Hartford Courant, 31 Mar. 2026