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Definition of replace verb from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

replace

verb
 
/rɪˈpleɪs/
 
/rɪˈpleɪs/
Verb Forms
present simple I / you / we / they replace
 
/rɪˈpleɪs/
 
/rɪˈpleɪs/
he / she / it replaces
 
/rɪˈpleɪsɪz/
 
/rɪˈpleɪsɪz/
past simple replaced
 
/rɪˈpleɪst/
 
/rɪˈpleɪst/
past participle replaced
 
/rɪˈpleɪst/
 
/rɪˈpleɪst/
-ing form replacing
 
/rɪˈpleɪsɪŋ/
 
/rɪˈpleɪsɪŋ/
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  1. replace somebody/something to be used instead of somebody/something else; to do something instead of somebody/something else synonym take over (from something)
    • The new design will eventually replace all existing models.
    • Teachers will never be replaced by computers in the classroom.
    • These measures in no way replace the need for regular safety checks.
    • The weird feeling was gradually replaced by shock, and then anger.
    • replace somebody/something as something She replaced Dr Hales as head teacher.
    • Green will replace the injured Walker in the starting line-up.
    • He was selected last week to replace her on the council.
    Extra Examples
    • Machines can't replace people in this work.
    • Many of the workers have been replaced by machines.
    • These guidelines effectively replaced the official procedure.
    • Williams has temporarily replaced Reed on the first team.
    • She replaced Jane Stott as Managing Director.
    • She has been nominated to replace Justice O'Connor on the Supreme Court.
    Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadverb
    • completely
    • entirely
    • fully
    verb + replace
    • can
    • can afford to
    • be built to
    preposition
    • as
    • by
    • with
    See full entry
  2. to remove somebody/something and put another person or thing in their place
    • replace somebody/something He will be difficult to replace when he leaves.
    • proposed changes to the constitution to replace the current system of government
    • He was replaced as party leader in 1967.
    • replace somebody/something with/by somebody/something It is not a good idea to miss meals and replace them with snacks.
    Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadverb
    • completely
    • entirely
    • fully
    verb + replace
    • can
    • can afford to
    • be built to
    preposition
    • as
    • by
    • with
    See full entry
  3. replace something to change something that is old, damaged, etc. for a similar thing that is newer or better
    • We're thinking of replacing our phone system.
    • to replace a window/roof
    • to replace a battery/light bulb
    • All the old carpets need replacing.
    • an operation to replace both hips
    • You'll be expected to replace any broken glasses.
    • The club does not have the finances resources to replace the damaged equipment.
    • We will replace a faulty part immediately.
    Extra Examples
    • Putting in a new kitchen can cost very little if you are simply replacing an old one.
    • We replaced the old television set with a newer one.
    • It was built to replace the old Victorian jail.
    Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadverb
    • completely
    • entirely
    • fully
    verb + replace
    • can
    • can afford to
    • be built to
    preposition
    • as
    • by
    • with
    See full entry
  4. replace something (+ adv./prep.) to put something back in the place where it was before
    • I replaced the cup carefully in the saucer.
    • to replace the handset (= after using the phone).
    Extra Examples
    • He carefully replaced the vase on the shelf.
    • She replaced the dress in the wardrobe.
    Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadverb
    • carefully
    • gently
    preposition
    • in
    • on
    See full entry
See replace in the Oxford Advanced American DictionarySee replace in the Oxford Learner's Dictionary of Academic English
generic
adjective
 
 
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