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supplant

English → EnglishformalInstant · from the shared dictionary
Illustration of "supplant": To supplant means to take the place of someone or something else, typically through force, strategy,

What does "supplant" mean?

To supplant means to take the place of someone or something else, typically through force, strategy, or by being more effective. Imagine a chess piece being knocked off the board by a new, stronger piece, or an old, inefficient technology being pushed aside by a modern innovation that renders it obsolete. It is a formal word often used in professional or historical contexts. While "replace" is neutral, "supplant" implies a sense of displacement or rivalry, suggesting that the new arrival has actively ousted the predecessor. It is commonly used when discussing power structures, corporate roles, or shifting societal trends.

"supplant" in conversation

Office restructuring

Did you hear? The new automated system is going to supplant our manual data entry team by next month.

Did you hear? The new automated system is going to supplant our manual data entry team by next month.

That’s brutal. I hate to see them go, but I guess that’s progress.

That’s brutal. I hate to see them go, but I guess that’s progress.

Used to describe a technology replacing human labor.

Historical debate

The rising empire eventually supplanted the old dynasty through a series of tactical marriages.

The rising empire eventually supplanted the old dynasty through a series of tactical marriages.

So it wasn't just a military victory then?

So it wasn't just a military victory then?

Used to describe the transition of political power.

"supplant" in a sentence

  1. Electric cars are beginning to supplant traditional gasoline vehicles in many major cities.

    Electric cars are beginning to supplant traditional gasoline vehicles in many major cities.

  2. The new manager was brought in to supplant the long-standing director and modernize the department.

    The new manager was brought in to supplant the long-standing director and modernize the department.

  3. Print media has been largely supplanted by digital platforms, fundamentally altering how we consume news.

    Print media has been largely supplanted by digital platforms, fundamentally altering how we consume news.

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