Overwrite: meaning, definitions and examples

Use when you want to completely write over existing data, often without the possibility to retrieve the old information.

• If you save a new file with the same name as an old one, you might overwrite the original file
• Be careful not to overwrite important documents

Use when you want to remove something and put something new in its place.

• She decided to replace the old curtains with new ones
• They had to replace the broken window immediately

Use when you want to bring something to a more current or modern state, usually by adding new information.

• Make sure to update your software regularly for the latest features
• They need to update the system to fix the bugs

Use when you want to use one thing instead of another, usually temporarily or for specific conditions.

• You can substitute sugar with honey in this recipe
• The teacher is sick, so a substitute teacher will take the class today

Use this term when you are replacing existing data or information with new data. Often used in technology and data management.

• Be careful not to overwrite the existing file.
• The software will automatically overwrite older versions of the document.