replace

verb

ri-ˈplās How to pronounce replace (audio)
Definition of replacenext
1
as in to supersede
to take the place of the old street lights were replaced by more energy-efficient models

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in to return
to bring, send, or put back to a former or proper place took the fragile vase down to look at it and then gently replaced it on the shelf

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word replace distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of replace are displace, supersede, and supplant. While all these words 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

When is it sensible to use displace instead of replace?

The words displace and replace are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, displace implies an ousting or dislodging.

war had displaced thousands

When would supersede be a good substitute for replace?

While the synonyms supersede and replace are close in meaning, supersede implies replacing a person or thing that has become superannuated, obsolete, or otherwise inferior.

the new edition supersedes all previous ones

In what contexts can supplant take the place of replace?

The synonyms supplant and replace are sometimes interchangeable, but 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

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 replace Instead, he would simply be replaced by someone else. —Mark Critchley, New York Times, 1 June 2025 The state Legislature’s effort to replace a longtime tax credit to promote city housing production is proving to be not good enough. —New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 1 June 2025 Naked Sunday’s sunscreen replaces my foundation with a radiant finish that’s too pretty to cover up, and Luna Nectar’s serum gives a boost of antioxidant protection. —Elizabeth Siegel, Allure, 1 June 2025 For years—even as many other bags tried and failed to replace it—the Dagne Dover Landon Carryall remained my absolute favorite carry-on bag, and had been my go-to for just about every trip. —Alesandra Dubin, Travel + Leisure, 1 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for replace
Recent Examples of Synonyms for replace
  1. supersede
  2. return
  3. restore
Verb
  • However, this does mean that this technology is becoming dated and has been superseded by the following two generations.
    — Matt Morris, Space.com, 25 May 2025
  • This, though, was superseded by the 1924 Indian Citizenship Act, which granted birthright citizenship to all non-citizen Native Americans born within the U.S. And, in 1898, the high court ruled that children born in the U.S. to non-citizen immigrants were indeed birthright citizens, Miller said.
    — Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 15 May 2025
Definition of supersede
Verb
  • The kittens were taken to the Kathu Wildlife Sanctuary for rehabilitation, with the goal of eventually returning them to the wild.
    — Real-Time news team, Miami Herald, 27 May 2025
  • Jennifer Lopez returns as host for the first time since 2015.
    — Jackie Fields, People.com, 27 May 2025
Definition of return
Verb
  • The council has spent months deliberating the budget and, most recently, decided to restore funding for a residential parking program, youth events and immigrant legal aid.
    — Annika Merrilees, Sacbee.com, 5 June 2025
  • Some were assured by their supervisors that their benefits would be restored.
    — Andrea Hsu, NPR, 4 June 2025
Definition of restore

Browse Nearby Words

repining (for)
replace
replaceable
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Replace.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/replace. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

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