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supplant

verb
sup·​plant | \ sə-ˈplant How to pronounce supplant (audio) \
supplanted; supplanting; supplants

Definition of supplant

transitive verb

1 : to supersede (another) especially by force or treachery
2a(1) obsolete : uproot
(2) : to eradicate and supply a substitute for efforts to supplant the vernacular
b : to take the place of and serve as a substitute for especially by reason of superior excellence or power
Other Words from supplant Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym Example Sentences Learn More about supplant

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Other Words from supplant

supplantation \ (ˌ)sə-​ˌplan-​ˈtā-​shən How to pronounce supplantation (audio) \ noun
supplanter \ sə-​ˈplan-​tər How to pronounce supplanter (audio) \ noun

Choose the Right Synonym for supplant

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

Examples of supplant in a Sentence

old traditions that were fading away and being supplanted by modern ways

Recent Examples on the Web

 Unfortunately, the presidency has supplanted the House in its role as witless and slavering tribune of the plebs. — Kevin D. Williamson, National Review, "L’Esprit de l’Escalier, the ‘Times,’ Etc.," 27 Aug. 2019 The alliance has supplanted the role of the Gulf Cooperation Council, which is weakened by the ongoing dispute between the Saudis, the Emirates and Bahrain on the one hand and Qatar on the other. — Tim Lister, CNN, "Cracks are appearing in the Mideast's most important alliance. That's bad news for Trump," 22 Aug. 2019 The Master’s Academy appears to have the hot hand in the SSAC and will attempt to supplant defending league champion Orlando Christian Prep. — J.c. Carnahan, orlandosentinel.com, "Class 4A, 3A, 2A and SSAC: A strong Foundation for small schools," 22 Aug. 2019 And while the reliable Scott Oberg hasn’t officially supplanted Davis as closer, Davis’ lack of consistent dominance has been alarming. — Jeff Bailey, The Denver Post, "Rockies Insider: The five most disappointing individual performances in Colorado’s underachieving season," 25 July 2019 Slack, based in California, is a firm whose instant-messaging software has supplanted email as the main method of communication for some office workers. — Corrie Driebusch, WSJ, "Slack Shares Jump in Trading Debut," 20 June 2019 Emotional attachment to electronic devices has supplanted attachment with our children. — Letter Writers, Twin Cities, "Letters: Mothers and fathers, put down your phones," 6 June 2019 But that wasn’t enough to supplant any of the seven other cornerbacks who made the Top 100 cut. — Joe Nguyen, The Denver Post, "Broncos Insider: Cornerback Chris Harris excluded from NFL Top 100 list," 1 Aug. 2019 Publicly funded researchers are excited about its ability to supplant fossil fuels. — High School Journalism Institute, oregonlive.com, "Oregon grows to top of new global hemp industry," 20 July 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'supplant.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of supplant

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for supplant

Middle English, from Anglo-French supplanter, from Latin supplantare to trip up, cause to stumble, from sub- + planta sole of the foot — more at place

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More Definitions for supplant

supplant

verb
How to pronounce supplant (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of supplant

: to take the place of (someone or something that is old or no longer used or accepted)

See the full definition for supplant in the English Language Learners Dictionary

supplant

verb
sup·​plant | \ sə-ˈplant How to pronounce supplant (audio) \
supplanted; supplanting

Kids Definition of supplant

: to take the place of another

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More from Merriam-Webster on supplant

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with supplant

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for supplant

Spanish Central: Translation of supplant

Nglish: Translation of supplant for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of supplant for Arabic Speakers

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