supersede
6 synonyms and 0 antonyms for supersede, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To take the place of something older or less effective, so that the earlier version is no longer used or valid.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. verb
To take the place of something older or less effective, so that the earlier version is no longer used or valid.
“This policy supersedes all previous guidance issued by the department.”
How to Use Supersede
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Formal; common in legal, administrative and technical writing.
Etymology
From Latin supersedere "to sit above, preside over, refrain from", from super- "above" and sedere "to sit".
Full origin of supersede →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it supersede or supercede?
Supersede is the correct spelling. "Supercede" is a very common error, produced by analogy with precede, recede and concede — but this word comes from Latin sedere, "to sit", not cedere, "to go", so it takes an s.
What is the difference between supersede and replace?
Replace is neutral: anything can replace anything. Supersede implies that the new thing is later and takes formal precedence, making the old one obsolete or invalid. Documents, laws and technologies are superseded; a broken part is simply replaced.
What is the difference between supersede and supplant?
Supersede suggests orderly succession — the new version officially takes over. Supplant carries a hint of displacement by force or cunning, often against the will of the thing being pushed aside.