replacement
rih-PLAYS-muhnt
Replacement (noun) means a person or thing that takes the place of another. Example: “They hired a replacement for the departing manager.”
noun
1
A person or thing that takes the place of another.
"They hired a replacement for the departing manager."
"The garage ordered a replacement part for the engine."
"The old kettle broke, so we bought a replacement this week."
2
The act of substituting one thing for another.
"The replacement of the old bridge took two years."
"The replacement of the broken window was finished before lunchtime."
"Regular replacement of filters keeps the air in the house clean."
How to use replacement
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomething (or someone) that stands in for another, or the act of swapping it in.
Common pairings
replacement part
find a replacement
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Word forms
- Plural
- replacements
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They hired a _____ for the departing manager.
Etymology
From replace plus -ment.
Synonyms
View more →
substitute
stand-in
successor
understudy
fill-in
backup
deputy
alternative
switch
alternate
renewal
substitution
Related words
Rhymes for replacement
cement
element
clement
movement
pavement
tenement
inclement
abatement
amusement
statement
agreement
excrement
See all rhymes for replacement →
Frequently asked questions
What does “replacement” mean?
The word “replacement” means a person or thing that takes the place of another. In plain terms, something (or someone) that stands in for another, or the act of swapping it in.
How do you pronounce “replacement”?
“Replacement” is pronounced rih-PLAYS-muhnt (/ɹɪˈpleɪsmənt/ in IPA).
How do you use “replacement” in a sentence?
Here is “replacement” used in a sentence: “They hired a replacement for the departing manager.”
What part of speech is “replacement”?
“Replacement” is a noun.
Is “replacement” a common word?
“Replacement” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “replacement” have?
“Replacement” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a person or thing that takes the place of another.
What is the difference between a replacement and a substitute?
The two overlap, but a replacement usually implies a permanent swap — the original is gone and something new takes its place for good. A substitute is often temporary or interchangeable, standing in for a time before the original returns. A departing employee's replacement is permanent; a stand-in during someone's holiday is a substitute.
What is an example of a replacement?
When a light bulb burns out and you fit a new one, the new bulb is a replacement. Hiring someone to fill a role left by a departing worker, or swapping a cracked phone screen for a fresh one, are replacements too. In each case, one thing permanently takes another's place.
What is a replacement part?
A replacement part is a new component fitted in place of one that is worn out, broken, or missing — such as a car's brake pads or a washing machine's pump. Replacement parts keep a machine working without the need to buy the whole thing again. They may be original-brand or third-party.
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