supersede

verb

ˌsü-pər-ˈsēd How to pronounce supersede (audio)
Definition of supersedenext
as in to replace
to take the place of that edition of the dictionary that you have has been superseded by a more recent one

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How is the word supersede distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of supersede are displace, replace, and supplant. While all these words mean "to put out of a usual or proper place or into the place of another," supersede implies replacing a person or thing that has become superannuated, obsolete, or otherwise inferior.

the new edition supersedes all previous ones

When is it sensible to use displace instead of supersede?

The synonyms displace and supersede are sometimes interchangeable, but displace implies an ousting or dislodging.

war had displaced thousands

When can replace be used instead of supersede?

While the synonyms replace and supersede are close in meaning, replace implies a filling of a place once occupied by something lost, destroyed, or no longer usable or adequate.

replaced the broken window

Where would supplant be a reasonable alternative to supersede?

The meanings of supplant and supersede largely overlap; however, 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Recent Examples of supersede Ellison's interest ultimately spurred a formal sale process that superseded a plan by WBD to split in two. — Lillian Rizzo, CNBC, 24 Aug. 2026 The government raised the increment from 5 percent following labor unrest and said the higher rate would continue until it was revalued or superseded by a new minimum wage. — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 24 Aug. 2026 Negative superstitions shouldn’t supersede a bride’s love for pearl jewelry. — Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 24 Aug. 2026 One big call was to yellow card Marco van Staden for cynical play on his tryline, superseding a high tackle by New Zealand captain Ardie Savea on Wiese. — ABC News, 22 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for supersede
Recent Examples of Synonyms for supersede
replace
Verb
  • Until China can produce or replace enough plasma of its own, tens of millions of patients needing human albumin, like Ge’s family, will remain heavily reliant on the vital fluid typically drawn from hard-up Americans.
    — CNN Staff, CNN Money, 23 Aug. 2026
  • Until then, the options to replace Weathers aren’t the most appealing.
    — Brendan Kuty, New York Times, 23 Aug. 2026
Definition of replace

Browse Nearby Words

superscripts
supersede
superseded
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Cite this Entry

“Supersede.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/supersede. Accessed 29 Aug. 2026.

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