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that edition of the dictionary that you have has been superseded by a more recent one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

The city's position pointed to the charter, which mandates an independent inspector general with subpoena power cannot supersede state law. — Renee Anderson, CBS News, 14 Aug. 2026

On May 22, a grand jury in New Haven returned a second superseding indictment charging Louis, Davis and Williams with conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery, which carries a maximum term of 20 years in prison. — Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 5 Aug. 2026

Martinez was telling Lineweaver which legal finding would supersede another, essentially telling Lineweaver how to win in a DEC hearing. — Charles Baggarly august 4, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Aug. 2026

Rozier was first arrested and charged in October, but prosecutors filed a superseding indictment in May, adding two new charges. — Mike Vorkunov, New York Times, 31 July 2026

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