What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
supplant
Example
The new CEO plans to supplant the current management team. [supplant: verb]
Example
The young athlete hopes to supplant the veteran player as the team's star. [supplant: verb]
displace
Example
The construction of the new building will displace several families from their homes. [displace: verb]
Example
The floodwaters displaced many residents from their homes. [displaced: past participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Displace is more commonly used than supplant in everyday language, and is more versatile in its usage. Supplant is more commonly used in formal or academic contexts, particularly in discussions of power and authority.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between supplant and displace?
Supplant is generally considered more formal than displace, and is often used in academic or professional contexts. Displace is more commonly used in everyday language and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
