Supplant: meaning, definitions and examples

Use 'supplant' when one thing takes the place of another through strategies, growth, or changes, often implying a sense of competition or takeover.

• Digital media has supplanted traditional newspapers.
• New technologies are constantly supplanting the old ones.

Use 'replace' when one thing is directly substituted for another, often without any competitive connotations.

• They decided to replace the broken window.
• We need to replace the old office computers.

Use 'displace' when something or someone is moved out of its usual or original place, often by force, or due to external changes.

• The flood displaced thousands of people from their homes.
• New policies have displaced older regulations.

Use 'usurp' when taking a position of power or importance illegally or by force, often suggesting negative connotations.

• The general tried to usurp the throne.
• He was accused of trying to usurp the CEO's authority.