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to take the place of that edition of the dictionary that you have has been superseded by a more recent one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 Genesis also argued that the county lacked authority to revoke the permits because federal law supersedes local regulations. — Adam Thompson, CBS News, 26 Aug. 2026 However, such designs may now be superseded by austere sites that allow agents to act efficiently on our behalf. — George C. Lee Ii, Fortune, 26 Aug. 2026 Parton was an icon whose music, philanthropy and authenticity superseded genre, class, sexuality, color and politics. — Lorraine Ali, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026 The real fix to this situation is to enact a federal framework that supersedes the state-by-state patchwork of regulations on autonomous vehicles. — Mark Dalton, Oc Register, 26 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for supersede
Recent Examples of Synonyms for supersede
replace
Verb
  • Other goals, like a lactation room, upgrading the fire alarm system to a voice evacuation system for the whole building and replacing the elevator came later.
    — Idaho Statesman, Idaho Statesman, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Summary Despite the digital shift, leading retailers are leveraging AI to enhance human customer connections, not replace them.
    — John Hall, Forbes.com, 30 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 5 Sep. 2026.

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