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 Three years later, board members sought to replace him. —Ishani Desai, Sacbee.com, 14 Apr. 2025 Jones, 46, whose father, Emil Jones Jr., led the state Senate for years before orchestrating to have his son replace him in 2009, is charged with bribery, use of an interstate facility to solicit bribery and lying to federal agents. —Jason Meisner, Chicago Tribune, 14 Apr. 2025 Arkansas has also gone to the bullpen, with Carson Wiggins replacing Landon Beidelschies. —Matt Jones, Arkansas Online, 13 Apr. 2025 So how will the Horned Frogs approach replacing her? —Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for replace
Recent Examples of Synonyms for replace
  1. supersede
  2. return
  3. restore
Verb
  • Additional charges against Weinstein announced Manhattan District Attorney Vance announced the filing of a superseding grand jury indictment, which added charges connected with a third incident in 2006.
    — Isabella Gomez Sarmiento, NPR, 20 Apr. 2025
  • The second superseding indictment leveled an additional allegation that the rap mogul subjected his employees to forced labor under inhumane circumstances.
    — Edward Segarra, USA Today, 17 Apr. 2025
Definition of supersede
Verb
  • Plus, an ambiguous Supreme Court ruling may have invited the Trump administration to refuse to try to return him.
    — Taylor Wilson, USA Today, 21 Apr. 2025
  • The actress attempted to treat her condition, but her voice did not return.
    — Ashley Hume, FOXNews.com, 21 Apr. 2025
Definition of return
Verb
  • Femininity and French craftsmanship are on prominent display, with bespoke headboards made from Pierre Frey fabrics in every room, as well as murals from Atelier de Ricou, bird-like Lalique sconces, and restored wooden beams on the ceilings.
    — Travel + Leisure Editors, Travel + Leisure, 16 Apr. 2025
  • Disruptions peaked shortly after 3 p.m. ET, and service appeared to be mostly restored roughly two hours later, according to outage tracking site Downdetector.com.
    — Matthew Kaufman, CNN Money, 16 Apr. 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 24 Apr. 2025.

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