DISPLACE Synonyms: 128 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'displace' distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of displace are replace , supersede , and supplant . While all these words mean "to put out of a usual or proper place or into the place of another," displace implies an ousting or dislodging. // war had displaced thousands

Q: When can 'replace' be used instead of 'displace'?

The synonyms replace and displace are sometimes interchangeable, but replace implies a filling of a place once occupied by something lost, destroyed, or no longer usable or adequate. // replaced the broken window

Q: When is 'supersede' a more appropriate choice than 'displace'?

In some situations, the words supersede and displace are roughly equivalent. However, supersede implies replacing a person or thing that has become superannuated, obsolete, or otherwise inferior. // the new edition supersedes all previous ones

Q: In what contexts can 'supplant' take the place of 'displace'?

While the synonyms supplant and displace are close in meaning, 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

displace

verb

(ˌ)dis-ˈplās

Definition of displace

as in to remove

to change the place or position of the slight tremor displaced the dishes on the shelves, but didn't do any real damage

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to relegate

to force to leave a country World War II displaced people all over Europe

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to replace

to take the place of inefficient methods displaced by newer ones

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in to depose

to remove from a position of prominence or power (as a throne) the CEO was summarily displaced after the hostile takeover

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word displace distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of displace are replace, supersede, and supplant. While all these words mean "to put out of a usual or proper place or into the place of another," displace implies an ousting or dislodging.

war had displaced thousands

When can replace be used instead of displace?

The synonyms replace and displace are sometimes interchangeable, but replace implies a filling of a place once occupied by something lost, destroyed, or no longer usable or adequate.

replaced the broken window

When is supersede a more appropriate choice than displace?

In some situations, the words supersede and displace are roughly equivalent. However, supersede implies replacing a person or thing that has become superannuated, obsolete, or otherwise inferior.

the new edition supersedes all previous ones

In what contexts can supplant take the place of displace?

While the synonyms supplant and displace are close in meaning, 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 displace Expanding its use displaces coal in Asia and supports the integration of intermittent renewables by providing flexible backup. — David Blackmon, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026 Some creatives are concerned that the technology could displace jobs; others worry that their likenesses are being used to train AI models without their permission or compensation. — Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2026 With at least 13,000 left homeless after the disaster, according to the Venezuelan government, there is also a focus on supporting the displaced. — Syra Ortiz Blanes, Miami Herald, 1 July 2026 In January, a World Economic Forum report estimated that new technology, alongside other economic and demographic trends, will create 170 million roles and displace 92 million others by 2030. — Rachel Barber, USA Today, 1 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for displace

Recent Examples of Synonyms for displace

Verb

Three of the reports stemmed from consumers swallowing the metal pieces and seeking medical treatment to remove them from their digestive tract or throat, the agency said.

— Angelique Brenes, PEOPLE, 3 July 2026
Residents objected to removing trees and other construction activities.

— Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 3 July 2026

Definition of remove

Verb

On June 23, Los Angeles County Court declined to compel Woods to be deposed in California, as the defendants' legal team requested.

— Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 30 June 2026
The earthquakes pose a great challenge to Rodriguez, the former vice president whose governing coalition took shape after the United States mounted an operation that captured and deposed President Nicolás Maduro.

— James Cirrone, FOXNews.com, 27 June 2026

Definition of depose

Verb

They can also be used to keep the satellite in orbit over the years, or potentially relocate the satellite later down the line.

— Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 4 July 2026
However, Archie has remained largely out of the public eye since Meghan and Harry stepped back from their royal roles in 2020 and relocated to California.

— Simon Perry, PEOPLE, 4 July 2026

Definition of relocate

Verb

China has helped cushion the global oil shock, seen its clean energy tech exports surge and framed the war in Iran as another example in which Chinese leadership could supersede the US in ending global conflicts.

— Nadeen Ebrahim, CNN Money, 1 July 2026
State Attorney’s Office prosecutors originally charged Bradly Shawn Shadduck, 56, with second-degree murder, but the grand jury indictment supersedes that charge, and he is now being held without bond on premeditated murder.

— David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 29 June 2026

Definition of supersede

Verb

Hurst in ‘93 was among the first inside the church upon the flooding, which lifted the pews off the floor and toppled the statues and rose high enough, more than 9 feet, to fill the pulpit.

— Andrew Carter, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026
Many injuries were reported in Wisconsin’s Walworth County after the storm toppled trees, knocked down power lines and damaged buildings, said Tom Hausner, undersheriff for the Walworth County Sheriff’s department.

— ABC News, ABC News, 3 July 2026

Definition of topple

Browse Nearby Words

dispirits

displace

displaceable

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“Displace.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/displace. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of displace

verb

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Synonyms of displace

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