replace

verb re·place \ri-ˈplās\

: to be used instead of (something)

: to do the job or duty of (someone)

: to put someone or something new in the place or position of (someone or something)

Full Definition of REPLACE

transitive verb

: to restore to a former place or position <replace cards in a file>

: to take the place of especially as a substitute or successor

: to put something new in the place of <replace a worn carpet>

— re·place·able \-ˈplā-sə-bəl\ adjective

— re·plac·er noun

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First Known Use of REPLACE

1595

Related to REPLACE

Synonyms: cut out, displace, displant, relieve, substitute, supersede, supplant

Synonym Discussion of REPLACE

replace, displace, supplant, supersede 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>. displace implies an ousting or dislodging <war had displaced thousands>. 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>. supersede implies replacing a person or thing that has become superannuated, obsolete, or otherwise inferior <the new edition supersedes all previous ones>.