replace

1
as in to supersede
to take the place of the old street lights were replaced by more energy-efficient models

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
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

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 He’s replaced by Troy Stetcher, a scratch for the first nine Edmonton playoff games, in uniform for the next six and a scratch for the next four. Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 13 June 2025 Bills introduced last week would have replaced the RTA with a new entity called the Northern Illinois Transit Authority that would be given broad planning authority. Talia Soglin, Chicago Tribune, 2 June 2025 There were a few obvious hurdles: Tom Holland, who played Gregory Cromwell, was now too famous, and Bernard Hill, who starred as the Duke of Norfolk, died before production (he was replaced with Timothy Spall). Emily Zemler, Los Angeles Times, 2 June 2025 Digital systems should incorporate and enhance traditional knowledge, not replace it. Persa Sakellaridi, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for replace
Recent Examples of Synonyms for replace
Verb
  • The woman first emerged in a second superseding indictment against Combs in March.
    Cheyenne Roundtree, Rolling Stone, 16 June 2025
  • But its recommendations were largely superseded by separate announcements from the Food and Drug Administration leaders and Kennedy, both of whom set new restrictions and requirements for use of COVID-19 vaccines in children and pregnant people.
    Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 9 June 2025
Verb
  • If Wells Fargo does get permission to operate with a smaller capital cushion, that will free up resources for other uses — including, perhaps, returning some of it to shareholders.
    Morgan Chittum, CNBC, 20 June 2025
  • Every garden needs both annuals for instant impact and perennials for color that returns for many years.
    Arricca Elin SanSone, Southern Living, 20 June 2025
Verb
  • President Trump has received pushback from several Democrat lawmakers after deploying 700 U.S. Marines to assist the police and National Guard in restoring the peace in Los Angeles.
    Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 16 June 2025
  • By contrast, Renault shares slumped as it is not yet known who will succeed De Meo, who has been credited for restoring the success at the French automotive retailer and almost doubling the value of shares in Renault.
    Mark Faithfull, Forbes.com, 16 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Replace.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/replace. Accessed 26 Jun. 2025.

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