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that edition of the dictionary that you have has been superseded by a more recent one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

Prosecutors then filed the second superseding indictment without any lyrics last week. —Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 8 May 2025

The proposal, which is moving through the state’s legislature, will supersede an existing $330 million a year state tax credit for films. —Siladitya Ray, Forbes.com, 6 May 2025

Habba didn’t reference the standing New Jersey law in her responses on air, but suggested Attorney General Pam Bondi’s orders superseded the state’s authority. —Ashleigh Fields, The Hill, 11 Apr. 2025

On April 8, a Houston federal grand jury filed a superseding indictment. —Dalia Faheid, CNN Money, 24 Apr. 2025

Podcast

Get Word of the Day delivered to your inbox!