substitute

1 of 2

noun

sub·​sti·​tute ˈsəb-stə-ˌtüt How to pronounce substitute (audio)
-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

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
However, any seasoned angler or fly tier will tell you there is still no substitute for natural fibers like feathers and fur, which have long been a part of the sport’s heritage. Cameron Evans, Outdoor Life, 17 Oct. 2024 For people desperate to get on the drugs, GLP-1 supplements may seem like an easy substitute. Yasmin Tayag, The Atlantic, 16 Oct. 2024
Verb
Its unique floral, sweet and sour characteristics are a key flavor that cannot easily be substituted. Ahmed Ali Akbar, Chicago Tribune, 16 Oct. 2024 Educators are paid to teach the curriculum adopted by the school district that complies with the letter and spirit of state statute, not substitute their own lessons or advocate for personal or ideological viewpoints inconsistent with the values our nation was founded upon. Hayleigh Colombo, The Indianapolis Star, 9 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for substitute 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'substitute.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of substitute was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near substitute

Cite this Entry

“Substitute.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/substitute. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

substitute

1 of 2 noun
sub·​sti·​tute ˈsəb-stə-ˌt(y)üt How to pronounce substitute (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce substitute (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on substitute

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