substitute

noun

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sub·sti·tute | \ ˈsəb-stə-ˌtüt

, -ˌtyüt \

Definition of substitute

(Entry 1 of 2)

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

substitute

verb

substituted; substituting

Definition of substitute (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

1a : 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

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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 Prior to joining North Ridgeville City Schools in 2018, Kovi spent 17 years with the Euclid City Schools as an instructional coach, first grade teacher, substitute principal and reading recovery teacher. — John Benson, cleveland, "Fairview Park City Schools names Shanna Kovi new Gilles-Sweet Elementary School Associate Principal," 31 Mar. 2021 In McCoy's substitute bill, the opportunity accounts could not be used at private schools. — Olivia Krauth, The Courier-Journal, "After uncertainty, Kentucky legislature overrides Beshear veto of school choice measure," 30 Mar. 2021 When the charges against Newport Beach orthopedic surgeon and former Bravo reality star Dr. Grant Robicheaux and his girlfriend, substitute teacher Cerissa Riley, were revealed back in September of 2018, the world gawked at the unlikely criminals. — Christopher Rosa, Glamour, "9 TV Shows and Movies Debuting This Week—Including Stabler's Law & Order Spin-Off," 28 Mar. 2021 But instead, Megan will encounter a stranger on Tuesday, a substitute assigned to teach her Montclair Elementary class for the next two weeks. — Jill Tucker, San Francisco Chronicle, "S.F. and Oakland schools reopening amid confusion and a shortage of teachers," 27 Mar. 2021 But halftime substitute Nemanja Radonjic set up two goals to pull the hosts level with half an hour to play. — James Ellingworth, ajc, "Portugal, Belgium held in WCup qualifying, Ireland shocked," 27 Mar. 2021 The legislative transportation committee rebuffed that DOT attempt this week, and, in approving substitute language, left the contracting board’s role intact. — Jon Lender, courant.com, "Jon Lender: Watchdog agency that’s saved taxpayers $86M is now accused of lacking ‘expertise’ as Lamont administration seeks to restrain it," 27 Mar. 2021 The assist went to second-half substitute Nicholas Gioacchini. — Kevin Baxter, Los Angeles Times, "Galaxy’s Sebastian Lletget leads U.S. national team past Jamaica with two goals," 25 Mar. 2021 Jackson Yueill redirected Sebastian Salcedo’s cross for the go-ahead goal in the 60th minute to get the offense untracked, and second-half substitute Hassani Dotson added a pair of goals in a 4-0 victory on Sunday night at Guadalajara, Mexico. — BostonGlobe.com, "U.S. men’s soccer scores late, beats Dominican Republic in Olympic qualifying game," 21 Mar. 2021 Recent Examples on the Web: Verb Cook's note: To make tri-color matzo balls, for each color use only 1/2 to 3/4 cup matzo ball mix and substitute for the spinach 3 tablespoons tomato paste to make red ones and 1 teaspoon turmeric to make yellow. — Susan Selasky, Detroit Free Press, "5 great Passover recipes for Seder: Side dishes, dessert, Matzo Balls," 26 Mar. 2021 Celine and Hermès presented larger messenger-style iterations that can substitute for a cumbersome briefcase. — WSJ, "8 Crossbody Bags You Need to Keep Everything Close and Stylish," 5 Mar. 2021 The half Scotch bonnet or habanero pepper called for gives the stew a medium-spicy heat that’s prominent but not overwhelming — feel free to use more or less to taste (a little goes a long way), or substitute a milder chile such as jalapeño. — Washington Post, "Caribbean-inspired seafood stew brings warm island vibes to your table," 4 Mar. 2021 Research has shown that American workers who could substitute their H-1B counterparts are already nearly fully employed. — Ananya Bhattacharya, Quartz India, "Biden scraps Trump’s ban on green card applicants entering the US," 25 Feb. 2021 Gohmert’s congressional district has been decorated with a half-dozen billboards that substitute his name and photo. — Todd J. Gillman, Dallas News, "Billboards sprout in Texas linking Ted Cruz to riot, demand he resign for fueling Trump’s election lies," 3 Feb. 2021 Polluters also may purchase offsets, such as funding to protect forests, that can substitute for some emissions reductions. — Tribune News Service, oregonlive, "California’s cap-and-trade program isn’t curbing climate change, is hurting communities of color, critics say," 27 Dec. 2020 If built, the refinery would use hydrogen in a reaction process that turns soybean, canola oil, tallow and used cooking oil into a form of diesel that can substitute for the traditional diesel fuel made from crude oil. — Mark Schleifstein, NOLA.com, "Renewable diesel plan aligns with Gov. Edwards' aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions," 15 Nov. 2020 The choices now on third down are for the Buckeyes to keep Williamson in the game in that nickel look, or substitute in someone like safety Josh Proctor, freshman Lathan Ransom, or Johnson. — Doug Lesmerises, cleveland, "What’s hot with Ohio State football: Pete Werner chasing 2,000 snaps; rare home night games; Rutgers connections," 7 Nov. 2020

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'substitute.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.