Is supersede formal or informal?

What is the difference between supersede and replace?

How do I use supersede in a sentence?

Is supersede common in academic writing?

← Dictionary

supersede

/ˌsuːpəˈsiːd/

IELTSAcademic

verb

To take the place of something, often by authority or formal decision.

The new law will supersede the old one.
We need a plan that supersedes earlier approaches.

Adinary Nuance

Near-neighbors: unlike replace (neutral, general swap), supersede suggests formal authority or official order. Compared to displace, it implies a rightful or legal taking over. Writers choose supersede for institutional or policy contexts, not casual change.

In other languages

Spanish: sustituir
Japanese: 上回る、取り替える
Korean: 대체하다
Vietnamese: thay thế
Chinese: 取代

Etymology

From Latin supersedere, ‘sit above,’ later ‘take the place of.’ The history highlights formal replacement.

Common phrases

supersede the needsupersede an older modelsupersede the previous policysupersede authority

Synonyms

replace displace override

Frequently asked questions

Is supersede formal or informal?: Is supersede formal or informal?
What is the difference between supersede and replace?: What is the difference between supersede and replace?
How do I use supersede in a sentence?: How do I use supersede in a sentence?
Is supersede common in academic writing?: Is supersede common in academic writing?