Synonyms of supersede

supersede

verb

ˌsü-pər-ˈsēd 

as in to replace

to take the place of

that edition of the dictionary that you have has been superseded by a more recent one

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Synonym Chooser

How is the word supersede distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of supersede are displace, replace, and supplant. While all these words mean "to put out of a usual or proper place or into the place of another," supersede implies replacing a person or thing that has become superannuated, obsolete, or otherwise inferior.

the new edition supersedes all previous ones

When is it sensible to use displace instead of supersede?

The synonyms displace and supersede are sometimes interchangeable, but displace implies an ousting or dislodging.

war had displaced thousands

When can replace be used instead of supersede?

While the synonyms replace and supersede are close in meaning, replace implies a filling of a place once occupied by something lost, destroyed, or no longer usable or adequate.

replaced the broken window

Where would supplant be a reasonable alternative to supersede?

The meanings of supplant and supersede largely overlap; however, 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 supersede

Technique often supersedes feeling, though. —Mano Sundaresan, Pitchfork, 18 Mar. 2026

Murphy’s ruling last month was a final ruling on the matter, which supersedes the preliminary injunction that was lifted by the Supreme Court. —Jack Birle, The Washington Examiner, 16 Mar. 2026

Distinctions between chain and local have been superseded by the split between online and in-person shopping. —Henry Grabar, The Atlantic, 14 Mar. 2026

The need for Odighizuwa’s services no longer superseded what the team needed around him. —Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 Mar. 2026

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