supplant

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "supplant" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of replacing or taking the place of something or someone, often in a context where one thing is seen as more effective or desirable than another. Example: "The new technology is expected to supplant the older systems that are currently in use."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But he has not just returned to the team well ahead of schedule but done so with a vitality and impetus that has seen him supplant Nani, the club's player of the year, as a near-certainty to face Barcelona at Wembley.

The Guardian - Sport

In 2001 the inheritors of the democratic nationalist tradition face the prospect of history repeating itself, with Gerry Adams's Sinn Fein threatening to supplant the SDLP as the voice of Northern Ireland's Catholics.

The Guardian

The Conservative party has been divided over whether to support a bill of rights, and whether it would interpret or supplant the European convention.

The Guardian

The assistance that the US will be offering will be mostly technical and advisory, meant to support Nigeria's military instead of supplant it.

The Guardian

Leghorn has become Livorno, and maybe one day München will supplant Munich, but not yet.

The Guardian

Since firms have average capital expenditures of 8 percent of assets, Senate chairmanship causes a roughly 15 percent reduction in the representative firm's capex.But Kevin Drum notes that there is an important caveat:Some of the dollars directly supplant private-sector activity — they literally undertake projects the private sector was planning to do on its own.

The Economist

Instead of trying to supplant the market, governments should be striving to promote competition while upholding social values about equity in health care.

The Economist

For its part, Microsoft sneers at the bombastic Mr Ellison as a failed visionary whose attempts to supplant the PC with a low-cost browser-based "network computer" went nowhere with consumers.Yet the funny thing is that, until now, neither firm has really competed head-on against the other, even in databases.

The Economist

Facebook aims to supplant Google as the main conduit via which people access the web.

The Economist

By the same token, it could take a decade or more for polymer or chalcogenide chips to supplant flash.

The Economist

Others see it as an attempt to undermine or even supplant the state.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "supplant" when you want to emphasize that one thing is not just replacing another, but is doing so because it's seen as superior or more effective.

Common error

Avoid using "supplant" in casual conversations or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "replace" or "take the place of" for better clarity.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "supplant" is as a transitive verb. It requires a direct object, indicating what is being replaced. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is used to describe the act of replacing something with something else, often implying superiority or greater effectiveness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Formal & Business

24%

Science

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "supplant" is a transitive verb that means to replace something, often implying that the new thing is superior or more effective. As Ludwig AI indicates, this term is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English, particularly in news, formal business, and science contexts. When using "supplant", ensure the context warrants its formal tone; simpler alternatives may be preferable in casual settings. Remember to avoid confusing it with "supplement", which means to add to. The frequency of usage and authoritative sources, like The Economist and The Guardian, confirm its credibility and applicability in various contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

take the place of

A more general and less formal way to express replacement.

replace

A direct and common synonym, suitable for most contexts.

supersede

Implies replacing something old or outdated with something newer and better, more formal than "supplant".

oust

Suggests forceful removal or displacement, often in political or competitive contexts.

displace

Similar to replace but can also imply movement or relocation.

succeed

Implies taking over a role or position, often in a planned or orderly manner.

usurp

Suggests seizing power or position illegitimately or forcefully.

unseat

To remove someone from a position of power or authority.

dislodge

Suggests forceful removal from a fixed position.

take over from

Indicates assuming responsibility or control from someone else.

FAQs

How to use "supplant" in a sentence?

The word "supplant" is typically used to indicate that something is being replaced by something else, often because the new thing is more effective or powerful. For example, "The internet began to "supplant" traditional media."

What can I say instead of "supplant"?

You can use alternatives like "replace", "supersede", or "take the place of" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "supplant" or "supplement"?

"Supplant" means to replace, whereas "supplement" means to add to. They have opposite meanings and should not be confused.

What's the difference between "supplant" and "replace"?

"Replace" is a general term for taking the place of something. "Supplant" often implies a more forceful or significant replacement, suggesting the new thing is superior or more effective.