Definition

1. Verb:
   • To take the place of (someone or something that is considered old-fashioned, less effective, or no longer in use) and assume its function, position, or role.
   • To cause something to be set aside or displaced by something else, often because the new thing is superior, more modern, or more relevant.

Usage

The verb "supersede" is used to describe a situation where a newer or better person or thing replaces an older one. It often implies that the replacement is an improvement or a necessary update. It is a formal word commonly used in legal, technological, and official contexts. - It is typically followed by the thing or person being replaced. - It is often used in the passive voice.

Examples

• Verb:
  • This new policy will supersede all previous guidelines on remote work.
  • Digital photography has largely superseded film photography.
  • The old software version was superseded by a more secure update.

Advanced Usage

• "to be superseded by": This passive construction is very common.
  • The 2015 edition of the manual has been superseded by the 2023 version.
• Used in legal language to indicate that a newer law, ruling, or contract invalidates an older one.
  • The terms of the new agreement supersede any prior verbal understandings.

Variants and Related Words

• Supersession (noun): The act or process of superseding.
  • The supersession of the old management system caused some initial disruption.
• Superseded (adjective): Describing something that has been replaced.
  • Please refer to the current handbook, as the old one is superseded.

Synonyms

• Replace: To take the place of.
• Supplant: To take the place of, often by force, scheming, or innovation.
• Succeed: To come after and take the place of (often used for people in roles).
• Displace: To take over the place, position, or role of.

Antonyms

• Precede: To come before.
• Antedate: To be older than.

Related Phrases

• Render obsolete: To cause something to become outdated, often leading to it being superseded.
  • The invention of the smartphone rendered obsolete many standalone devices.

Verb

1. 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