substitute

noun

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

Other Words from substitute Synonyms Example Sentences Learn More about 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

Fangio became a substitute teacher at Dunmore and joined Henzes’ staff as linebackers coach in 1979. — Ryan O'halloran, The Denver Post, "For Vic Fangio, journey to Broncos’ head coach nearly 40 years in the making," 14 July 2019 There’s no substitute for being up close and personal. — Matt Stout, BostonGlobe.com, "In New Hampshire, 5 presidential candidates take to the parade route to meet voters," 4 July 2019 Mushrooms also make an excellent, satisfying substitute for red meat in any dish, eliminating calories, fat, and cholesterol from the equation. 5. — Lisa Mulcahy, Good Housekeeping, "6 Surprising Mushroom Health Benefits for Your Skin, Brain, and Bones," 3 June 2019 Barton retired from teaching at Glenside Middle School in 2012 but continued to work as a substitute teacher in the district through this past school year. — Bob Goldsborough, chicagotribune.com, "Jerrold Barton, football coach at several Chicago-area schools, including Glenbard South, dies," 1 July 2019 Howdy, my name is John Cherwa and I’m the substitute teacher on this here newsletter as Houston Mitchell puts the final touches on his Lakers-Clippers First Round Draft party at his house. — John Cherwa, latimes.com, "The Sports Report: Big day as U.S. resumes in soccer and NBA Draft is held," 20 June 2019 Enes Drake, a substitute teacher who lived near the middle school, told the Connecticut Post. — The Washington Post, The Mercury News, "Three decades after a child’s brutal murder, police made an arrest. His neighbors weren’t surprised.," 14 June 2019 Soon after, a substitute teacher at the adjoining high school used the same slur while speaking with students about the first incident. — Rubén Rosario, Twin Cities, "Rosario: Recent incidents remind us the N-word should never be tolerated," 9 June 2019 That fall, Beierle moved four hours southeast to Deltona, Florida, where Volusia County schools hired him as a substitute teacher. — Steve Hendrix, Anchorage Daily News, "He always hated women. Then he decided to kill them.," 7 June 2019

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

Other unique offerings include the uber cheeseburger with fontina, raclette and goat cheeses and the char siu burger, which substitutes delicious roasted Asian pork belly for the patty. — Julia Thompson, USA TODAY, "Cooking over open flame: These are some of our favorite restaurants that use fire," 27 June 2019 The great political crisis of our times is not Donald Trump’s soggy nationalism or Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s callow socialism, but the abdication of Congress, an institution that has substituted self-importance for self-respect. — Kevin D. Williamson, National Review, "Inching Back toward the Rule of Law," 23 June 2019 Note: If watercress is unavailable, arugula or curly mustard greens can be substituted. — Shauna Stuart | Sstuart@al.com, al.com, "How to make a world class chef’s grilled peach toast with pimiento cheese," 21 June 2019 But during the early 20th century, the giddy early days of plastic innovation, manufacturers started substituting nylon and other plastics into the design—and never looked back. — National Geographic, "How your toothbrush became a part of the plastic crisis," 14 June 2019 Noah dispensed with comedy for the most part, instead substituting outrage. — Bill Goodykoontz, azcentral, "'The Daily Show' takes on Phoenix police viral video, and it got ugly," 13 June 2019 Yet things take a wild turn when she’s poisoned into a coma by her greedy aunt (Susan Pourfar) intent on substituting the real Ashley for a hologram. — James Hibberd, EW.com, "Black Mirror producers on that Miley Cyrus episode and a creepy pop star trend," 5 June 2019 Only Barcelona substitute Asisat Oshoala was able to breach Lyon’s goal, scoring in the 89th on a three-on-three counterattack in a match otherwise easily dominated by the speedy Lyon. — Pablo Gorondi, The Seattle Times, "Lyon beats Barcelona 4-1 to win Women’s Champions League," 18 May 2019 However, this time last year, Kate was pregnant with Prince Louis during the visit, and substituted her pint for a glass of water instead. — Lucy Wood, Marie Claire, "Kate Middleton Put an End to Pregnancy Rumors on Her St Patrick's Day Royal Appearance," 18 Mar. 2019

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.