supplant

as in to replace
to take the place of old traditions that were fading away and being supplanted by modern ways

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How is the word supplant distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of supplant are displace, replace, and supersede. While all these words mean "to put out of a usual or proper place or into the place of another," 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

When is it sensible to use displace instead of supplant?

Although the words displace and supplant have much in common, displace implies an ousting or dislodging.

war had displaced thousands

When could replace be used to replace supplant?

In some situations, the words replace and supplant are roughly equivalent. However, replace implies a filling of a place once occupied by something lost, destroyed, or no longer usable or adequate.

replaced the broken window

When can supersede be used instead of supplant?

The words supersede and supplant are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, supersede implies replacing a person or thing that has become superannuated, obsolete, or otherwise inferior.

the new edition supersedes all previous ones

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of supplant The Chinese are also supplanting Russia in its accustomed sphere of influence in Central Asia. A. Wess Mitchell, Foreign Affairs, 22 Apr. 2025 While the generosity of private fundraising is certainly a boon to Maryland libraries, the notion of supplanting public dollars with private funds to staff and operate an institution as democratic as the public library threatens its ability to serve the public good. Morgan Lehr Miller, Baltimore Sun, 10 Apr. 2025 Part of his path back to power, after all, was engineering the ousting of GOP critics on Capitol Hill like Liz Cheney and Adam Kinzinger and supplanting them with disciples. Eric Cortellessa, Time, 27 Mar. 2025 Yousef masterfully carries us along from the women’s happier memories of Kinkade as a devoted family man to someone whose work and fame began to supplant the needs of his wife and kids. Gary Goldstein, Los Angeles Times, 18 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for supplant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for supplant
Verb
  • More news to know now The acting FEMA administrator was replaced after contradicting Trump on abolishing the agency.
    Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 10 May 2025
  • President Donald Trump suggested Friday that the Wall Street Journal should replace its editor with the New York Post’s following a string of critical articles regarding his tariff plans.
    Elaine Mallon, The Washington Examiner, 9 May 2025
Verb
  • Our lives on the shows supersede their own lives, become part of their daily living.
    Victoria Edel, People.com, 10 May 2025
  • January 30, 2025: Federal prosecutors filed a superseding indictment against Combs, expanding the racketeering conspiracy allegations to include two new female victims.
    Josh Campbell, CNN Money, 10 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Supplant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/supplant. Accessed 22 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on supplant

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