substitute

1 of 2

noun

sub·​sti·​tute ˈsəb-stə-ˌtüt 

-ˌtyüt

: a person or thing that takes the place or function of another

substitute adjective

substitute

2 of 2

verb

substituted; substituting

transitive verb

1

a

: to put or use in the place of another

b

: to introduce (an atom or group) as a substituent

also : to alter (something, such as a compound) by introduction of a substituent

a substituted benzene ring

2

: to take the place of : replace

intransitive verb

: to serve as a substitute

Synonyms of substitute

Noun

• replacement

Verb

• exchange
• swap
• trade
• change
• replace

Examples of substitute in a Sentence

Noun

you'll be getting a substitute until your regular teacher is feeling better

if you like, you can use nuts as a substitute for coconut in that recipe

Verb

One of our teachers is sick, so we need someone to substitute.

They substituted real candles with electric ones.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Fans adored her, but their praise was no substitute for the closeness of intimates. — Literary Hub, 23 Oct. 2026

Moreover, both sides are now able to target the substitutes and reserves that in the past could be used to cushion losses. — Tatiana Mitrova, Foreign Affairs, 23 Oct. 2026

Verb

His reverence for her motherhood — which the film avoids asking her about, substituting discussion with endless visuals of her breastfeeding and swinging her children through the waves — echoes the themes of season one. — Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 22 Oct. 2026

In 1990, Congress considered amending the CAA so that the EPA could substitute itself and take control of citizen suits over alleged violations. — Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 21 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, from Anglo-French substitut, from Latin substitutus, past participle of substituere to put in place of, from sub- + statuere to set up, place — more at statute

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Phrases Containing substitute

• substitute teacher

Rhymes for substitute

• absolute
• arrowroot
• attribute
• bitterroot
• constitute
• convolute
• destitute
• disrepute
• dissolute
• execute
• institute
• involute

Kids Definition

substitute

1 of 2 noun

sub·​sti·​tute ˈsəb-stə-ˌt(y)üt 

: a person or thing that takes the place of another

substitute adjective

substitute

2 of 2 verb

substituted; substituting

1

: to put in the place of another : replace

2

: to serve as a substitute

substitution

ˌsəb-stə-ˈt(y)ü-shən

noun

Medical Definition

substitute

1 of 2 noun

sub·​sti·​tute ˈsəb-stə-ˌt(y)üt 

: a person or thing that takes the place or function of another

father and mother substitutes

substitute adjective

substitute

2 of 2 transitive verb

substituted; substituting

: to put or use in the place of another: as

a

: to introduce (an atom or group) as a substituent

b

: to alter (as a compound) by introduction of a substituent