Meaning
Supersede means to replace or take the place of something or someone that is no longer useful, effective, or valid. It often implies that the new thing is better, more modern, or more authoritative than the old one.
Grammar and Usage
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Part of speech: Verb (transitive)
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Typical structure:
- supersede something/someone
- be superseded by something
It is mainly used in formal or legal contexts, and often appears in documents, laws, or technology discussions.
Examples of sentence patterns:
- A supersedes B (A replaces B).
- B is superseded by A (B is replaced by A).
Common Phrases
- supersede a law – to make a law no longer valid by introducing a new one
- supersede an agreement – when a new contract replaces an older one
- supersede technology – when newer technology replaces older versions
Collocations
- law supersedes
- agreement supersedes
- rule supersedes
- decision supersedes
- technology supersedes
Examples
- The new contract supersedes all previous agreements between the two companies.
- This regulation supersedes the older safety standards.
- His authority was superseded by a newly appointed manager.
- Smartphones have largely superseded traditional digital cameras.
- The court ruling supersedes earlier decisions on the matter.
- In many places, online banking has superseded the need for physical branches.
- The updated policy will supersede the outdated one starting next month.
Synonyms or Related
- Replace
- Succeed
- Overrule
- Override
- Displace
- Take over