REPLACE Synonyms: 14 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

replace

verb

ri-ˈplās

Definition of replace next

as in to supersede

to take the place of the old street lights were replaced by more energy-efficient models

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in to return

to bring, send, or put back to a former or proper place took the fragile vase down to look at it and then gently replaced it on the shelf

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

take
remove

Synonym Chooser

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

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of replace Curb replaces Frank Biancuzzo, who is retiring this summer after more than four decades in the business. —

Michael Schneider, Variety, 12 Mar. 2026 Paul Roeder, a 25-year Disney veteran, becomes chief communications officer on March 19, replacing Kristina Schake, under incoming CEO Josh D’Amaro. —

Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 12 Mar. 2026 Older wine enthusiasts are aging out of the market and are not being replaced at the same rate by millennials and Gen Z, experts say. —

Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 12 Mar. 2026 Highs in the 60s, 70s and 80s are being replaced by highs in the 40s, 50s and 60s, AccuWeather said. —

Doyle Rice, USA Today, 12 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for replace

Recent Examples of Synonyms for replace

Verb

The need for Odighizuwa’s services no longer superseded what the team needed around him.

— Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 Mar. 2026
Yet, many art experts remain highly skeptical about AI’s ability to supersede, or even complement, the tools traditionally used to authenticate works of art.

— Oscar Holland, CNN Money, 9 Mar. 2026