What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
preempted
Example
The company preempted the negative reviews by addressing the issues beforehand. [preempted: verb]
Example
The president preempted the opposition's argument by presenting his own proposal first. [preempted: verb]
supersede
Example
The new technology superseded the old one, making it obsolete. [superseded: verb]
Example
The updated policy superseded the previous one, which was no longer relevant. [superseded: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Supersede is more commonly used than preempted in everyday language. Supersede is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while preempted is less common and often used in specific legal or political contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between preempted and supersede?
Both preempted and supersede are formal words that are typically used in legal or academic contexts. However, supersede is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, while preempted is more specific and less commonly used in everyday language.