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

James supplanted Hall of Fame former shooting guard/small forward Michael Jordan to become the oldest NBA player ever to earn some MVP votes. —Alex Kirschenbaum, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 May 2025

The goal should be to complement extant altruism without supplanting it. —John Werner, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025

The mama supplants all the other mother types that have come before her. —Amanda Hess, Vogue, 8 May 2025

The Oilers needed more from their regular-season starter who was supplanted by Calvin Pickard less than six periods into this playoff run and only returned to the crease because of a Pickard injury. —Daniel Nugent-Bowman, New York Times, 12 May 2025