replace

[ ri-pleys ]

verb (used with object)

, re·placed, re·plac·ing.

1. to assume the former role, position, or function of; substitute for (a person or thing):

   Electricity has replaced gas in lighting.

   Synonyms: succeed

2. to provide a substitute or equivalent in the place of:

   to replace a broken dish.

3. to restore; return; make good:

   to replace a sum of money borrowed.

   Synonyms: repay, refund

4. to restore to a former or the proper place:

   to replace the vase on the table.

replace

/ rɪˈpleɪs /

verb

1. to take the place of; supersede

   the manual worker is being replaced by the machine

2. to substitute a person or thing for (another which has ceased to fulfil its function); put in place of

   to replace an old pair of shoes

3. to put back or return; restore to its rightful place

Derived Forms

• reˌplaceaˈbility, noun
• reˈplaceable, adjective
• reˈplacer, noun

Other Words From

• re·placea·ble adjective
• re·placea·bili·ty noun
• re·placer noun
• nonre·placea·ble adjective
• quasi-re·placed adjective
• unre·placea·ble adjective
• unre·placed adjective
• well-re·placed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of replace¹

First recorded in 1585–95; re- + place

Synonym Study

Replace, supersede, supplant refer to putting one thing or person in place of another. To replace is to take the place of, to succeed: Ms. Jones will replace Mr. Smith as president. Supersede implies that that which is replacing another is an improvement: The computer has superseded the typewriter. Supplant implies that that which takes the other's place has ousted the former holder and usurped the position or function, especially by art or fraud: to supplant a former favorite.

Example Sentences

He came on to replace Newcastle United's Anthony Gordon, who grows in stature with every England game, while Chelsea winger Noni Madueke provided genuine threat and set up Watkins' goal.

From BBC

What effects will mass deportation have on the U.S. economy, what impact will it have on the cost of food and who will replace the millions of workers in industries like agriculture and construction?

From Los Angeles Times

They want officials to mandate developers replace each rent-stabilized unit they demolish with not one but two income-restricted affordable units.

From Los Angeles Times

It would make less financial sense for developers to replace existing rent-stabilized housing, and some builders would instead choose to build in single-family areas where they’d demolish houses an occupant has chosen to sell.

From Los Angeles Times

He would, as attorney general, almost certainly try to fire many of the agency’s 115,000 employees—career civil servants who pride themselves on integrity and independence—so he can replace them with staunch partisans.

From Slate

Related Words

• change
• follow
• oust
• recover
• reinstate
• restore
• succeed
• supplant
• supply
• take over
• take over from