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that edition of the dictionary that you have has been superseded by a more recent one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The Purchase Tax Act 1963 was effectively superseded by Directive 67/228/EEC. —Robert Goulder, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025

However, according to Breer, Sanders might only end up being a first-round pick if an owner decides to get involved and supersede a coach's wishes. —Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Apr. 2025

The previous superseding indictment charged the conduct as a single violation. —Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 7 Apr. 2025

Extradition was another historical pain point for the Mexican left, with its implied premise that American justice superseded Mexican sovereignty. —David Frum, The Atlantic, 28 Mar. 2025

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