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

The West Virginia Emergency Management Division has opened a shelter at Lewis County High School for residents displaced by the flooding. — Mary Gilbert, CNN Money, 21 July 2026

In recent months, the regime has worked to displace Machado from the public consciousness. — Stephania Taladrid, New Yorker, 20 July 2026

One person is dead and 60 others have been displaced following a fire at a Baldwin Park townhouse community, according to the Los Angeles County Fire Department. — Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 20 July 2026

Seven people were rescued and more than 30 displaced after a fire tore through a New Haven apartment building on Friday, officials said. — Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 18 July 2026