supplant

verb

sə-ˈplant How to pronounce supplant (audio)
Definition of supplantnext
as in to replace
to take the place of old traditions that were fading away and being supplanted by modern ways

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How is the word supplant distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of supplant are displace, replace, and supersede. While all these words mean "to put out of a usual or proper place or into the place of another," 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

When is it sensible to use displace instead of supplant?

Although the words displace and supplant have much in common, displace implies an ousting or dislodging.

war had displaced thousands

When could replace be used to replace supplant?

In some situations, the words replace and supplant are roughly equivalent. However, replace implies a filling of a place once occupied by something lost, destroyed, or no longer usable or adequate.

replaced the broken window

When can supersede be used instead of supplant?

The words supersede and supplant are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, supersede implies replacing a person or thing that has become superannuated, obsolete, or otherwise inferior.

the new edition supersedes all previous ones

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 supplant This is laying the foundation for new stories will supplant the current cinematic slate that simply isn't capturing audiences' attention. — Eliana Dockterman, TIME, 14 Feb. 2025 As traditional state dollars were extracted from core programs to accumulate savings mandated by budget controls, lawmakers supplanted those funds with pandemic grants to ease the pain. — Keith M. Phaneuf, Hartford Courant, 23 Jan. 2025 This year’s version will touch on the game’s top players now and introduce some young stars who might supplant them by year’s end. — Todd Boss, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025 The favorite to supplant Mr. Scholz, Friedrich Merz of the Christian Democrats, has promised to slash regulation — including scaling back some climate goals — reduce taxes and build new advanced nuclear fusion reactors in a bid to push energy costs down. — Melissa Eddy, New York Times, 21 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for supplant

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Cite this Entry

“Supplant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/supplant. Accessed 26 Mar. 2025.

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