What does replace mean?
Replace means to put something else in the place of an existing person, object, option, or practice. A common pattern is “replace A with B”: for example, a technician may replace a damaged cable with a new one, or a reader may replace an unfamiliar word with its definition. The word can also mean to take the place of something without necessarily using a substitute, as in “the automatic timer replaced the bell.” In organizational and technological contexts, “replace” can imply that the previous person or system has been made obsolete. The related noun replacement denotes either the act of substituting something or the substitute itself. The term is neutral in tone, though it can suggest improvement or renewal when the new item is described as better or newer. Replace is widely used in everyday, professional, scientific, and technical English in both British and American varieties.
To remove something and put something else in its place; to substitute one option for another; or to take the place of someone or something.
"The publisher replaced the introductory section with a shorter overview."
The usual pattern is “replace A with B.” The verb is common in both physical and figurative contexts.
An act of replacing something, or a person or thing used in place of another.
"The replacement arrived with all the necessary accessories."
As a noun, “replacement” more commonly names the substitute, as in “a replacement part,” while the process is described as “the replacement of the old system.”
The plural is used for individual substitutes or separate acts of replacement.
"The replacements were installed before the office reopened."
Replace combines the Latin prefix re-, meaning “again,” with placere, meaning “to place”: its original idea is to put something in place again.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does replace come from?
Replace comes from Old French replacier, formed from re-, meaning “again,” and a root meaning “to place.” That root ultimately derives from Latin placere, “to please,” which developed the meaning “to put, place, or set before others.” The Latin root also appears in words such as deposit, displace, and pleasant.
Related word forms
How replace is actually used
The construction “replace X with Y” is standard in formal and informal English. The verb can describe either physical substitution or figurative substitution, such as replacing one method with another or one employee with another.
Easily confused with replace
Replace means to put something different in place of an existing item, whereas replenish means to refill or restore a supply to its former level.
Replace focuses on substitution or putting a new item in place, while displace more often means to force something or someone out of its usual position.