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 The Brutalist design is something that certainly will not return if the building is replaced. —Andy Rose, CNN Money, 19 July 2025 While tourism has now replaced fishing as the community’s primary source of income, the area is a great way to see the island away from the resorts. —Asia London Palomba, Travel + Leisure, 19 July 2025 In February, when the council last reviewed the plans, some of the feedback included additional park space, replacing an existing pickleball court with a new picnic area, more fruit trees and more parking along Stevens Avenue. —Luke Harold, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 July 2025 Both are members of the court's liberal wing, and will replace the conservative who currently holds the position. —Mary Spicuzza, jsonline.com, 8 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for replace
Recent Examples of Synonyms for replace
  1. supersede
  2. return
  3. restore
Verb
  • The superseding indictment against Michael Gilbert includes counts of mail fraud and money laundering, the U.S. Department of Justice announced Thursday.
    — Cameron Macdonald, Mercury News, 25 July 2025
  • The teenage girl also was not mentioned in a superseding federal grand jury indictment, which only referenced a 9-year-old victim.
    — Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 22 July 2025
Definition of supersede
Verb
  • Strange New Worlds will return for a fifth and final season on Paramount+.
    — EW.com, EW.com, 26 July 2025
  • Those confirmed to return include Chris Hemsworth, Anthony Mackie, Danny Ramirez, Paul Rudd, Tom Hiddleston, Letitia Wright, Winston Duke and Simu Liu.
    — Kelsie Gibson, People.com, 26 July 2025
Definition of return
Verb
  • My lawsuit aims to restore just a little bit of sanity.
    — Tamlyn Hunt, Scientific American, 22 July 2025
  • Our goal is to restore the fun, healthy, human childhood that most of us had.
    — Eileen Finan, People.com, 22 July 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 30 Jul. 2025.

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