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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Synonym Chooser

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 The gentlemen’s agreements of the past were being supplanted by legalese and digital marketing teams. —Maris Kreizman july 1, Literary Hub, 1 July 2025 At one time minivans were the preeminent vehicle in the nation’s garages and driveways, having since been supplanted by SUVs and crossovers. —Jim Gorzelany, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025 If the San Diego Street Race comes to fruition for 2026, whether as a competitive event or supplanting Chicago, the forecast for a dry run is likely much brighter. —Robert Channick, Chicago Tribune, 19 June 2025 By late April, the Mets were the first team this season to supplant the Dodgers as the No. 1 team in our Power Rankings. —Levi Weaver, New York Times, 17 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for supplant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for supplant
  1. replace
  2. supersede
Verb
  • 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
  • Ukrainian Government Reshuffle Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy discussed replacing Kyiv’s ambassador to Washington with U.S. President Donald Trump during a July 4 phone call.
    — Katya Soldak, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025
Definition of replace
Verb
  • Some countries have specific legislation that supersedes private contractual arrangements, effectively nullifying termination clauses regardless of the circumstances that trigger them.
    — Mohaimina Haque, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025
  • Federal, state and even municipal policy will supersede churches’ best efforts to support and perhaps even shield immigrations.
    — Liam Adams, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025
Definition of supersede

Browse Nearby Words

supping
supplant
supplantation
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Supplant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/supplant. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.

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Nglish: Translation of supplant for Spanish Speakers

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