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

Starting in the 1930s, as talking pictures and then radio and TV supplanted theater as the prime form of mass entertainment, some were converted to cinemas. — Christopher Bonanos, Curbed, 3 Sep. 2026

But Joe never misses an opportunity to supplant her husband’s rational concerns with her imperial view of a society infected by an unseen, venomous other. — Andy Andersen, Vulture, 30 Aug. 2026

According to one analysis by an Icelandic economist, tech is expected to supplant fishing as Iceland’s largest generator of export revenue by 2030. — Mark Sappenfield, Christian Science Monitor, 28 Aug. 2026

But over time, people’s loyalty to online brands may be supplanted by the efficacy of their interfaces for agents. — George C. Lee Ii, Fortune, 26 Aug. 2026