Word
supersedes
Phoneticssu·per·sedes, stress on the third syllable
US/ˌsupɝˈsidz/
UK/sˈuːpəsˌiːdz/
Definition
v. to take the place of something older and replace it. You use it when a new rule, version, or agreement replaces an old one.
v. to replace something older with something newer that takes over its place or authority. Often used for laws, rules, versions, and agreements.
Examples
“The new law supersedes the old rule.”
“The updated employee handbook supersedes all previous versions starting next month.”
“Although the 2019 agreement still shapes daily practice, the revised treaty signed last spring supersedes it in all matters of trade and border control.”
Examples
simple
“The new law supersedes the old rule.”
contextual
“The updated employee handbook supersedes all previous versions starting next month.”
complex
“Although the 2019 agreement still shapes daily practice, the revised treaty signed last spring supersedes it in all matters of trade and border control.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “supersedes” in context.
Verb
01. supersede agreement
“The 2023 trade deal supersedes the agreement signed in 2015.”
verb + noun
02. supersede legislation
“The Data Protection Act supersedes previous legislation on privacy.”
verb + noun
03. supersede policy
“The revised admissions policy supersedes the policy from last year.”
verb + noun
04. supersede regulation
“The new safety code supersedes the regulation introduced in 1998.”
verb + noun
05. supersede treaty
“The new peace accord supersedes the treaty concluded a decade ago.”
verb + noun
Adjective
06. automatically supersede
“The updated clause automatically supersedes any earlier version.”
adv + verb
07. effectively supersede
“The new digital system will effectively supersede paper-based filing.”
adv + verb
08. eventually supersede
“Electronic tickets eventually superseded printed boarding passes.”
adv + verb
09. agreement supersedes previous agreement
“This agreement supersedes any previous agreement between the parties.”
10. automatically supersedes earlier version
“This update automatically supersedes the earlier version on your device.”
11. new law supersedes old law
“The new tenancy law supersedes the old law from 1987.”
12. subsequently superseded by legislation
“The 1990 rules were subsequently superseded by legislation in 2005.”
Usage
The verb is transitive and takes a direct object.
Pitfall
supercede
supersede
The verb ends in '-sede', not '-cede', despite the /siːd/ pronunciation.
Real-World Examples
“I know the law, and know it supersedes the illegal contract terms, so I will fight my landlord if it ever comes to that....” Synonyms
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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