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that edition of the dictionary that you have has been superseded by a more recent one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

Like all variants of Caribbean carnival celebrations, there’s copious drinking and dancing as the joy of being Black always supersedes any hardship. —Ile-Ife Okantah, Vulture, 16 June 2025

Kosovo is among one of the poorest nations in Europe, superseded only by Ukraine and Georgia, and has reportedly looked to similar schemes that could provide a source of income. —Caitlin McFall, FOXNews.com, 11 June 2025

With all due respect to your husband, his anxiety doesn’t supersede your research. —R. Eric Thomas, Mercury News, 6 June 2025

Per the court's ruling, the U.S. Constitution gives Congress exclusive powers to regulate trade with other countries, something which Trump cannot supersede. —Callum Sutherland, Time, 29 May 2025

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