# supersede

/ˌsupɝˈsid/ (US) · /sˈuːpəsˌiːd/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/supersede
Updated: 2026-10-20

## Definition

to take the place of something old and replace it with something newer or better.

For teachers: to replace or displace something older with something newer, more effective, or more authoritative. Often implies official or systematic replacement rather than casual substitution.

## Examples

- New rules supersede the old guidelines from last year.
- The updated safety manual supersedes all previous versions issued before January.
- Once digital archives superseded paper records, researchers could search decades of correspondence in seconds rather than days.

## Usage notes

- The verb is transitive and takes a direct object.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.