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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of replaceVince replaced her with Katherine Woodman, electing to keep Rachel Reilly off the block.—David Wysong, Cincinnati Enquirer, 25 Aug. 2025 So whoever replaces Powell may need to rely on their powers of persuasion on a Fed with more conflicting views.—Jason Ma, Fortune, 24 Aug. 2025 The Hurricanes are replacing four talented receivers in Xavier Restrepo, Jacolby George, Sam Brown and Isaiah Horton who combined for 3,004 yards and 26 touchdowns last season.—Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 24 Aug. 2025 Plus, one less component to replace means less money spent by teams during repair.—Peter Nelson, Forbes.com, 14 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for replace
Texas Democrats return home Democrats in the Texas House of Representatives returned to Austin on Monday after leaving the state two weeks ago in protest of a Republican plan to redraw congressional maps to help the party gain seats in 2026.
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Nicole Fallert,
USA Today,
20 Aug. 2025
High school students who were already in transit to school returned home on the bus.
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Caroline Neal,
Louisville Courier Journal,
19 Aug. 2025
Supporters argue that this move restores balance to recruiting, protects institutional autonomy, and shields the non-revenue sports most vulnerable to financial strain.
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Aaron S. Marks,
Hartford Courant,
15 Aug. 2025
Alba filed for joint custody of their children and requested that her legal name to be restored to Jessica Marie Alba, according to the filing.
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