DictionaryAI

replace

verb
ri-PLAYS/ɹɪˈpleɪs/

Formsreplaces, replacing, replaced

6 meanings of replace

Practice

  1. 1
    swap for newverbtransitive
    To put a new thing in the place of an old, broken, or lost one.

    Like swapping an empty water bottle for a full one.

    Can you replace the broken cup with a new one?

    We replaced the old sofa last week.

    UsageSay replace the old one with the new one.

  2. 2
    be used insteadverbtransitive
    To take the place of something and be used instead of it.

    Like a new player coming onto the field to take an old player's spot.

    Computers have replaced typewriters in most offices.

    Will solar power replace coal someday?

    UsagePut the new thing first: computers replaced typewriters.

    Similarsupersede, supplant, displace

    Note
  3. 3
    take over jobverbtransitive
    To take over a job or role that someone else had before.

    Like a new captain taking charge after the old one leaves.

    She will replace the manager who is retiring next month.

    A younger coach replaced him after the season.

    UsageSay she replaced him as manager.

    Similarsucceed, supplant

  4. 4
    put backverbtransitive
    To put something back where it was before.

    Like putting your toys back in the box after playing.

    Please replace the book on the shelf when you finish.

    She carefully replaced the lid on the jar.

    UsageSay where it goes: replace the book on the shelf.

    Similarreturn

    Note

Less common meanings

  1. 5
    pay backverbtransitive
    To pay back or restore money that was borrowed, spent, or lost.

    Like giving back the coins you borrowed from a friend.

    The bank promised to replace the money stolen from her account.

    I spent Dad's gas money, so I have to replace it by Friday.

    Similarrepay, refund, reimburse

  2. 6
    verbraretransitive
    To move something and set it down in a new or different place.

    Similarreposition, relocate, move

    Note

Practice

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Origin

From re- plus place.

Checked 6 Nov 2026 · 1 fact