replace
verb (used with object)
to assume the former role, position, or function of; substitute for (a person or thing).
were replacing
-
past progressiveof replace.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Among their findings: Weekend automobile rambles were replacing church attendance.
From The Wall Street Journal ● May 2, 2026
They were replacing some of the landscaping with gravel, a decision that made their home more fire-resistant and cut their insurance costs in half.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 30, 2025
Observing that industrialists were replacing workers with automated machines, they rejected the arguments that this constituted "progress."
From Salon ● Oct. 3, 2023
Warning that pets were replacing children in some households, the Pope recounted how a woman had opened her bag and asked him to "bless her baby".
From BBC ● May 12, 2023
Some were engaged in carrying the wounded to the rear and laying them under the shelter of the trees, whilst others were replacing their broken swords or lances from the weapons of the slain.
From Sir Nigel by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
