replace

verb

re·​place ri-ˈplās 

replaced; replacing; replaces

transitive verb

1

: to restore to a former place or position

replace cards in a file

2

: to take the place of especially as a substitute or successor

3

: to put something new in the place of

replace a worn carpet

replaceable

ri-ˈplā-sə-bəl 

adjective

replacer noun

Synonyms of replace

• supersede

Choose the Right Synonym for replace

replace, displace, supplant, supersede mean to put out of a usual or proper place or into the place of another.

replace implies a filling of a place once occupied by something lost, destroyed, or no longer usable or adequate.

replaced the broken window

displace implies an ousting or dislodging.

war had displaced thousands

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

supersede implies replacing a person or thing that has become superannuated, obsolete, or otherwise inferior.

the new edition supersedes all previous ones

Examples of replace in a Sentence

Will computers ever completely replace books?

Paper bags have been largely replaced by plastic bags.

She was hired to replace the previous manager.

I replaced the old rug with a new one.

They recently replaced the old phone system.

The team's manager was replaced last season.

The patient needed a transfusion to replace lost blood.

They've appointed a new minister to replace the one who just retired.

I guess it's finally time to replace the stove.

He carefully replaced the vase on the shelf.

Recent Examples on the Web

The former Fox 4 news anchor won a competitive primary in the district in 2022 to replace outgoing Congresswoman Vicki Hartzler. — Jack Harvel july 28, Kansas City Star, 28 July 2026

Kiana loses her pad of drawing paper, and it’s replaced with a 2-inch canvas. — Tasha Robinson, Vulture, 28 July 2026

At safety, the Horned Frogs return All-Big 12 standout Jamel Johnson, but need to replace longtime veteran Bud Clark at free safety and find a new starter at nickel. — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 July 2026

In 2023, lawmakers considered creating a division within the Attorney General’s Office to oversee HOAs before replacing the proposal with a legislative study committee, the Charlotte Observer previously reported. — Nora O'Neill 28, Charlotte Observer, 28 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1587, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for replace

• abase
• airspace
• apace
• backspace
• biface
• birthplace
• blackface
• boldface
• bookcase
• braincase
• briefcase
• carcase

Kids Definition

replace

verb

re·​place ri-ˈplās 

1

: to put back in a proper or former place

replace a card in a file

2

: to take the place of

paper money has replaced gold coins

3

: to put something new in the place of

replace a broken dish

replaceable

-ˈplā-sə-bəl 

adjective