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 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
  • The superseding indictment included additional allegations related to racketeering conspiracy but no new charges.
    — Dan Heching, CNN, 14 Mar. 2025
  • Wearing tan prison garb and sporting a newly gray head of hair and beard, Combs, 55, denied the new allegations included in a superseding indictment prosecutors filed in March.
    — Molly Crane-Newman, New York Daily News, 14 Mar. 2025
Definition of supersede
Verb
  • Both armies now use drones extensively, so returning bodies from the front lines is increasingly difficult – which is why Russia and Ukraine regularly exchange bodies.
    — Daria Tarasova-Markina, CNN, 16 Mar. 2025
  • Sanderson has been excellent since returning from the 4 Nations Face-Off with two goals and 11 points in 10 games.
    — Julian McKenzie, The Athletic, 16 Mar. 2025
Definition of return
Verb
  • This is part of a larger initiative to restore a particular and nostalgic vision of American culture.
    — Harvey Young, Chicago Tribune, 12 Mar. 2025
  • The movement also serves as a positional breathing exercise that leverages breathwork to restore alignment and alleviate compensatory tension.
    — Dana Santas, CNN, 12 Mar. 2025
Definition of restore

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Cite this Entry

“Replace.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/replace. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.

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