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

Relevance
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 Carney, 59, will replace Justin Trudeau, who announced his resignation in January but remains in office until the transition is complete. —Hannah Parry, Newsweek, 10 Mar. 2025 Dobbs replaces Jacoby Brissett, who served as Maye’s backup in 2024. —Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 10 Mar. 2025 Boasting three-in-one benefits, this captured the heart of Vogue’s Mai Morsch and replaced her entire skin-care routine back in 2020. —Kiana Murden, Vogue, 10 Mar. 2025 Canada’s next leader Mark Carney has been elected leader of Canada’s Liberal Party in a months-long, high-stakes race to replace Justin Trudeau. —Tricia Escobedo, CNN, 10 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for replace
Recent Examples of Synonyms for replace
  1. supersede
  2. return
  3. restore
Verb
  • Aurora Phelps is in custody in Mexico and has been charged in a 21-count superseding indictment for the deadly scam, the United States Attorney's Office for the District of Nevada said in a press release on Friday, Feb. 21.
    — Bailey Richards, People.com, 22 Feb. 2025
  • This motion, filed on Tuesday (Feb. 18), came after a superseding indictment was issued last month which added two new victims to his case.
    — Regina Cho, VIBE.com, 21 Feb. 2025
Definition of supersede
Verb
  • When Curry returned for the stretch run, the Warriors led by 16.
    — Danny Emerman, The Mercury News, 4 Mar. 2025
  • Kevin Bacon returns from the dead to hunt demonic criminals in the trailer for Amazon’s The Bondsman, which dropped on Tuesday.
    — Etan Vlessing, The Hollywood Reporter, 4 Mar. 2025
Definition of return
Verb
  • The safest way to restore shine without damage is to use high-quality wood polish, according to Shimek.
    — Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 28 Feb. 2025
  • That includes restoring staffing at embassies, which in recent years were hit hard by mutual expulsions of large numbers of diplomats, closures of offices and other restrictions.
    — JILL LAWLESS AND AAMER MADHANI THE ASSOCIATED PRESS, arkansasonline.com, 28 Feb. 2025
Definition of restore

Browse Nearby Words

replace
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Replace.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/replace. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.

Copy Citation

Share

More from Merriam-Webster on replace

Nglish: Translation of replace for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

More Commonly Misspelled Words

Words You Always Have to Look Up
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

13 Unusually Long English Words

9 Superb Owl Words

8 Words with Fascinating Histories

8 Words for Lesser-Known Musical Instruments

Birds Say the Darndest Things
See More

Popular Features

See More

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

13 Unusually Long English Words

9 Superb Owl Words
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Word Game Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
girl-pencil-test
Challenging Standardized Test Words Quiz Vol. 3 You’re on your own for the math section.
See All