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

The 27-year-old last featured for Arsenal in their Carabao Cup quarter-final win over his former side Crystal Palace on December 23, and has been an unused substitute in Arsenal’s last four league matches. —Art De Roché, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2026

Simply replace the egg with a flax egg substitute by stirring together 2 tbsp. —Holly Riordan, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Jan. 2026

Verb

In case of severe cold, the march will be substituted with a car caravan to King's statue. —Cathy Kozlowicz, jsonline.com, 8 Jan. 2026

And for Dirty Shirleys, different spirits, including vodka, gin, tequila and vermouth can be substituted. —Greta Cross, USA Today, 8 Jan. 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