supplanter: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1formal, literary, academic
Quick answer
What does “supplanter” mean?
A person who takes the place of another by force, scheming, or strategy, often in a treacherous or underhanded manner.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person who takes the place of another by force, scheming, or strategy, often in a treacherous or underhanded manner.
A person or thing that supersedes and replaces another, especially by displacing or usurping a position, role, or function.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. The word is equally rare and formal in both varieties.
Connotations
Identical: negative, formal, implying cunning and usurpation.
Frequency
Very low frequency in both varieties, primarily encountered in formal writing, theological, or historical contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “supplanter” in a Sentence
supplanter of + [person/role]act as a supplanterVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “supplanter” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The new managing director sought to supplant the old guard with his own team.
American English
- The updated software completely supplanted the older version.
adverb
British English
- The regime was supplanted violently and swiftly.
American English
- The technology was supplanted almost overnight.
adjective
British English
- His supplanting tactics were criticised by the board.
American English
- The company faced a supplanting rival in the market.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used metaphorically to describe a competitor's aggressive takeover or a disruptive technology that renders an older one obsolete.
Academic
Common in historical, political science, and literary analysis to describe figures who seize power or status.
Everyday
Virtually never used in casual conversation; would sound archaic or overly formal.
Technical
Used in theology (re: Jacob) and some historical discourse.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “supplanter”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “supplanter”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “supplanter”
- Mispronouncing as /ˈsʌpləntə/ or /ˈsʌplæntə/.
- Using it as a neutral synonym for 'replacement'.
- Confusing spelling with 'supplicant'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a formal, low-frequency word primarily used in specific literary, historical, or academic contexts.
Extremely rarely. Its core meaning involves underhanded or forceful replacement, so it is almost always negative. A possible positive spin might be in a context where a corrupt leader is supplanted, but even then, the supplanter's methods may be questioned.
Confusing it with 'supplicant' (someone who begs humbly) due to similar spelling, or mispronouncing it with the stress on the first syllable.
A successor follows another, often in a planned or legitimate sequence (e.g., a crown prince). A supplanter actively and often unfairly takes the place, displacing the predecessor.
A person who takes the place of another by force, scheming, or strategy, often in a treacherous or underhanded manner.
Supplanter is usually formal, literary, academic in register.
Supplanter: in British English it is pronounced /səˈplɑːntə/, and in American English it is pronounced /səˈplæntər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “play the supplanter”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a cunning PLANT that grows over and replaces another plant, 'SUP-planting' it.
Conceptual Metaphor
POWER IS A POSITION / STATUS IS A SEAT (to be supplanted is to be pushed from one's seat).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'supplanter' LEAST likely to be used?