Synonyms of supplant

supplant

verb

sə-ˈplant 

as in to replace

to take the place of

old traditions that were fading away and being supplanted by modern ways

Synonyms & Similar Words

• replace
• supersede
• substitute
• displace
• relieve
• usurp
• displant
• preempt
• cut out

Synonym Chooser

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

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