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 After a disappointing start to the year, Lawson was replaced at Red Bull by the Japanese fan favorite, with the Kiwi driver filling Tsunoda’s seat at Racing Bulls, Red Bull’s developmental team. —Ben Morse, CNN Money, 3 Apr. 2025 One giant map replaces the four individual tracks from past games, and racers will be much more immersed as the game seamlessly transitions through various regions — like sandy deserts, snowy tundras, sprawling cities, rainy villages and much more. —Jordan Moreau, Variety, 3 Apr. 2025 DoorDash replaces Margaritaville as MLP’s title sponsor. —Jason Clinkscales, Sportico.com, 3 Apr. 2025 Brianna, Holly and Miguel will enter the Atlantic rotation for 2025 and beyond, while Jake will replace John in the Pacific rotation. —Phaedra Trethan, USA Today, 3 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for replace
Recent Examples of Synonyms for replace
  1. supersede
  2. return
  3. restore
Verb
  • In November 2024, a superseding indictment was unsealed in a Brooklyn federal court for charges stemming from murders allegedly ordered and committed by national leaders, members and associates of MS-13.
    — Jonathan Limehouse, USA Today, 27 Mar. 2025
  • This month prosecutors from the U.S. Attorney’s Office in San Diego filed a superseding indictment against Lundy and two co-defendants that further accused Lundy of conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and money laundering.
    — Alex Riggins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Mar. 2025
Definition of supersede
Verb
  • Anyone who purchased Our Family Traverse City Ground Coffee with the corresponding UPC and best by date listed above can return it to the store where it was purchased for a refund or replacement, a SpartanNash spokesperson said in an email to USA TODAY.
    — Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 28 Mar. 2025
  • District court judges separately ruled in favor of Wilcox and Harris, finding their removals were unlawful and returning them to their roles.
    — Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 28 Mar. 2025
Definition of return
Verb
  • These habits can restore mitochondrial function and even reverse the course of some psychiatric conditions.
    — Jesse Pines, Forbes.com, 5 Apr. 2025
  • Among the Trump administration’s demands on Columbia University in return for restoring $400 million in funding was a ban on masks, which many peaceful protesters wear not to menace others but to avoid being identified by facial recognition.
    — Gal Beckerman, The Atlantic, 5 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 15 Apr. 2025.

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