Definition

1. Verb:
   • To put something or someone in the place of another: To substitute one thing or person for another, often because the original is broken, lost, inefficient, or no longer suitable.
   • To put something back in its original or proper place: To return something to the position it was in before.

Examples of Usage

• Verb (To substitute):

  • The mechanic had to replace the car's battery.
  • She replaced the manager after he retired.
  • We need to replace this old, slow computer.

• Verb (To put back):

  • Please replace the tools in the toolbox when you are finished.
  • He carefully replaced the book on the shelf.

Advanced Usage

• "to replace X with Y": This common structure explicitly states what is being substituted and what is being used as the substitute.
  • The chef replaced butter with olive oil in the recipe.
• In a professional or organizational context: "Replace" often refers to filling a position left vacant by someone who has left.
  • The board of directors will replace the CEO next month.

Variants and Related Words

• Replacement (n): The act of replacing or a person/thing that replaces another.
  • We are still looking for a replacement for the assistant.
• Replaceable (adj): Capable of being replaced.
  • The parts are cheap and easily replaceable.
• Irreplaceable (adj): So valuable or unique that it cannot be replaced.
  • The handwritten letter from her grandfather was irreplaceable.

Synonyms

• Substitute: To use someone or something instead of another person or thing.
• Supersede: To take the place of something, often because it is newer or better.
• Succeed: To come after and take the place of someone, especially in a job or position.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Replace in: This is not a standard phrasal verb. The meaning of returning something to a place is covered by the core verb "replace" (e.g., ).

Related Idioms

• "Like-for-like replacement": A replacement that is identical or very similar in function and value to the original item.
  • The warranty promises a like-for-like replacement for any defective product.

Verb

1. put in the place of another; switch seemingly equivalent items
   • the con artist replaced the original with a fake Rembrandt
   • substitute regular milk with fat-free milk
   • synonyms can be interchanged without a changing the context's meaning
2. put something back where it belongs
   • replace the book on the shelf after you have finished reading it
   • please put the clean dishes back in the cabinet when you have washed them
3. take the place or move into the position of
   • Smith replaced Miller as CEO after Miller left
   • the computer has supplanted the slide rule
   • Mary replaced Susan as the team's captain and the highest-ranked player in the school
4. substitute a person or thing for (another that is broken or inefficient or lost or no longer working or yielding what is expected)
   • He replaced the old razor blade
   • We need to replace the secretary that left a month ago
   • the insurance will replace the lost income
   • This antique vase can never be replaced