substitution

noun

sub·​sti·​tu·​tion ˌsəb-stə-ˈtü-shən 

-ˈtyü-

1

a

: the act, process, or result of substituting one thing for another

b

: replacement of one mathematical entity by another of equal value

2

: one that is substituted for another

substitutional

ˌsəb-stə-ˈtü-shnəl 

-shə-nᵊl

-ˈtyü-

adjective

substitutionally adverb

substitutionary

ˌsəb-stə-ˈtü-shə-ˌner-ē 

-ˈtyü-

adjective

Examples of substitution in a Sentence

The coach made three substitutions in the second half of the game.

I'd prefer rice with my steak instead of potatoes, but the menu says “no substitutions.”

Substitution of applesauce for oil is one way of reducing the fat in recipes.

The cookbook has a long list of substitutions for ingredients that may be hard to find.

Recent Examples on the Web

Sign up here to get one weeknight dinner recipe, tips for substitutions, techniques and more in your inbox Monday through Thursday. —G. Daniela Galarza, Washington Post, 16 Nov. 2023

White vinegar or apple cider vinegar can be used in substitution for pickle relish. —Southern Living Editors, Southern Living, 4 Nov. 2023

Lue said the team is still learning how to play with his preferred substitution pattern, which would leave Westbrook and Norman Powell together when Leonard and George rest. —Andrew Greif, Los Angeles Times, 30 Oct. 2023

The reason that seems to be more beneficial for the single-family rental market than the multifamily has to do with the substitution effect. —Alena Botros, Fortune, 19 Oct. 2023

The substitution makes concrete 30 percent stronger than a control batch, according to an RMIT study published in last month’s Journal of Cleaner Production. —Frances Vinall, Washington Post, 3 Oct. 2023

If your potluck or weekend brunch has a few vegetarian guests, a couple of substitutions will quickly turn this Tater Tot breakfast bake into a vegetarian-friendly dish that can be enjoyed by all. —Southern Living Test Kitchen, Southern Living, 28 Oct. 2023

Companies are adding new anti-counterfeiting technologies not only to combat the economic impact of food fraud, but also the potential health consequences of ingredient substitutions and knock-on reputational damage for brands across a sector. —Laura Reiley, Washington Post, 12 Oct. 2023

But Europe has no intention of cutting relations with China or seeking self-sufficiency or import substitution, Valdis Dombrovskis said during a Monday keynote speech at Tsinghua University. —Laura He, CNN, 25 Sep. 2023

See More

Word History

Etymology

Middle English substitucion, from Middle French, from Late Latin substitution-, substitutio, from substituere

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing substitution

• substitution cipher

• substitution cipher

Medical Definition

substitution

noun

sub·​sti·​tu·​tion ˌsəb-stə-ˈt(y)ü-shən 

1

: a chemical reaction in which one or more atoms or groups in a molecule are replaced by equivalent atoms or groups to form at least two products

especially : the replacement of hydrogen in an organic compound by another element or group

2

a

: the turning from an obstructed desire to another desire whose gratification is socially acceptable

b

: the turning from an obstructed form of behavior to a different and often more primitive expression of the same tendency

a substitution neurosis

c

: the reacting to each of a set of stimuli by a response prescribed in a key

a substitution test for speed of learning new responses

Legal Definition

substitution

noun

sub·​sti·​tu·​tion ˌsəb-stə-ˈtü-shən, -ˈtyü- 

: the substituting of one person or thing for another: as

a

in the civil law of Louisiana : a disposition not in trust by which a donee, heir, or legatee is charged to hold property transferred and return it to a third person compare fidei commissum, vulgar substitution

Note: Substitutions are prohibited.

b

: replacement of a party to an action with a successor or representative upon motion to the court when the party is unable to continue litigating (as because of death, incompetency, transfer of interest, or loss of the office for which the party was suing or being sued in an official capacity)

c

: the replacement of a new agreement or obligation for an old one see also novation

substitutional

-shə-nəl 

adjective

substitutionary

-shə-ˌner-ē 

adjective