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
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.
Noun
His role is likely to be as an impact substitute to begin with. Tim Spiers, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025 But Sentnor was pleased with the patience the group of starters showed, noting the importance of the energy the substitutes brought to the game. Daniel Sperry, Kansas City Star, 7 Oct. 2025
Verb
According to the Money Doctor, the administration’s interest in a plan that would substitute the dollar for the flailing Argentine peso has greatly intensified in recent weeks as Milei’s political fortunes have weakened. Shawn Tully, Fortune, 8 Oct. 2025 William wrote Temple out of his will, substituting his granddaughter. Stacy Schiff, The Atlantic, 8 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for substitute

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Substitute.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/substitute. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!