substitute 1 of 3

substitute

2 of 3

adjective

substitute

3 of 3

verb

1
as in to exchange
to give up (something) and take something else in return can I substitute coleslaw for potato salad if I order the chicken plate?

Synonyms & Similar Words

2
as in to spell
to serve as a replacement usually for a time only substituting for the talk show host while she is on vacation

Synonyms & Similar Words

3
as in to replace
to take the place of "John Doe," "Jane Doe," and "Baby Doe" substituted the real names of the parties involved to preserve their privacy

Synonyms & Similar Words

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of substitute
Noun
According to court documents, Sonday agreed to use a specific chemical mixture but then in 2003 ordered his employees to use a substitute that didn’t meet specifications. Kelly Puente, Nashville Tennessean, 17 Oct. 2025 Solanke missed most of pre-season with an ankle injury before returning as a substitute in Tottenham’s UEFA Super Cup penalty shoot-out defeat to Paris Saint-Germain on August 13. Elias Burke, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025
Adjective
The 30-year-old has gone from being fourth-choice goalkeeper at Wolves, making one substitute appearance in his two seasons at Molineux, to third-choice at Everton. Tim Spiers, New York Times, 2 Sep. 2025 However, critics say just about anyone could claim to be a substitute caregiver under the legislation’s loose definition, thereby potentially endangering children rather than protecting them. Dan Walters, Oc Register, 21 Aug. 2025
Verb
This article is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. K. H. Koehler, USA Today, 15 Oct. 2025 Customers can substitute Avocado Ranch for a milder option. Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for substitute
Recent Examples of Synonyms for substitute
Noun
  • The event had been scheduled as a replacement for the 2026 All-Star Weekend, which had previously been awarded to the New York Islanders.
    Chris Johnston, New York Times, 22 Oct. 2025
  • Given last year's halftime show drawing over 127 million viewers, Bad Bunny may not need to lose sleep over 50,000 signees calling for his replacement.
    Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 21 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Cotton Incorporated’s market research found that, while consumer concern is high, a notable gap exists in understanding the direct link between laundry, synthetic clothing and microplastic shedding.
    Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 16 Oct. 2025
  • Kennedy has pressured companies to stop using synthetic food dyes, prompting red states to pass food-dye regulations of their own.
    Nicholas Florko, The Atlantic, 16 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Sensitive sleepers who crave the feel of a firm down pillow can turn to this hypoallergenic down alternative fill.
    Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 22 Oct. 2025
  • Observe the actual landing cost, including any hidden costs and delays, and move 20–30 percent of manufacturing to alternative arrangements.
    Vitalii Savryha, Sourcing Journal, 21 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • This comes after Hamas and Israel have exchanged surviving hostages and prisoners in the first phase of a ceasefire deal for the war in Gaza.
    NPR, NPR, 15 Oct. 2025
  • The Kansas Young Republicans organization was deactivated on Tuesday following an investigation by Politico into a trove of racist and derogatory messages exchanged in a group chat between young GOP members in four states.
    Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 15 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The one looking most likely at this point could spell disaster for parts of Hispaniola; the other could eventually take Melissa close to Central America.
    Mary Gilbert, CNN Money, 21 Oct. 2025
  • The kids can’t spell and the world leaders are senile.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 21 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Her intervention comes amid concerns in the acting community about the creation of Norwood and how avatars like her could ultimately replace lower profile performers.
    Jake Kanter, Deadline, 18 Oct. 2025
  • Rbx Scuba Mock Neck Full-zip Jacket Looking for an in-flight layer to replace your old, beat-up sweatshirt?
    Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 18 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Available in 12 faux hair and thong color variations with straight and curly textures, the thongs are currently sold out on the Skims website.
    Taijuan Moorman, USA Today, 15 Oct. 2025
  • Lifestride Wanderer Slip-On Sneakers An everyday pair of sneakers should be convenient and comfortable, and the slip-on style and faux laces make the shoes easy to put on and take off in seconds.
    Rachel Trujillo, PEOPLE, 14 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Meanwhile, aging aircraft fleets and a wave of retirements have created an urgent demand for new technicians.
    Preston Fore, Fortune, 20 Oct. 2025
  • In this new study featuring more than 1,000 participants at 244 sites in 17 countries, patients received either enzalutamide plus leuprolide (the combination group), leuprolide (the leuprolide-alone group), or enzalutamide monotherapy (the monotherapy group).
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 20 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Substitute.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/substitute. Accessed 22 Oct. 2025.

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