What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
supplant
Example
The new technology will supplant the old system. [supplant: verb]
Example
The young athlete hopes to supplant the veteran player in the starting lineup. [supplant: verb]
Example
The invasive species has begun to supplant the native plants in the area. [supplant: verb]
replace
Example
I need to replace the light bulb in the lamp. [replace: verb]
Example
The company plans to replace the outdated software with a new program. [replace: verb]
Example
The injured player was replaced by a substitute. [replaced: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Replace is a more common word than supplant in everyday language. Replace is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while supplant is less common and often has a more negative connotation.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between supplant and replace?
Both supplant and replace can be used in formal and informal contexts. However, supplant may be considered more formal due to its less frequent use in everyday language.
