What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
supersede
Example
The new software will supersede the old one. [supersede: verb]
Example
The new manager will supersede the current one next month. [supersede: verb]
Example
The invention of the automobile superseded the use of horse-drawn carriages. [superseded: past tense]
replace
Example
I need to replace the light bulb in the lamp. [replace: verb]
Example
The company will replace the faulty product with a new one. [replace: verb]
Example
The retiring CEO will be replaced by a new one next year. [replaced: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Replace is more commonly used than supersede in everyday language, and it is a more versatile word that can be used in various contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between supersede and replace?
Supersede is a more formal word than replace, and it is often used in the context of technology, innovation, or progress.