substitution

1 of 2

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-sh(ə-)nəl 

-ˈtyü-

adjective

substitutionally adverb

substitutionary

ˌsəb-stə-ˈtü-shə-ˌner-ē 

-ˈtyü-

adjective

substitutional

2 of 2

adjective

sub·​sti·​tu·​tion·​al

-shnəl

: of, relating to, or constituting substitution

substitutionally

-ᵊl|ē, 

-əl|, 

|i

adverb

Examples of substitution in a Sentence

Noun

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

Noun

Since then Tuchel has faced criticism for England’s retreat in the second half, his defensive substitutions and his switch to a back five. — Jack Pitt-Brooke, New York Times, 18 July 2026

England took the lead in the 55th minute with a clinical finish from Anthony Gordon, but Tuchel's substitutions thereafter focused on guarding their narrow lead instead of increasing it. — Jibin Joseph, PC Magazine, 18 July 2026

In the corridor data, the number that matters is not Mexico’s headline total but the split between counter-funded and account-funded transfers, which is where the substitution shows first. — Zennon Kapron, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026

The substitution for cheaper alternatives is already evident in consumer choices, as 1 in 5 shoppers have reported shifting from fresh to frozen produce. — Elizabeth Canales, The Conversation, 16 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

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

First Known Use

Noun

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

Phrases Containing substitution

• substitution cipher

Rhymes for substitution

• absolution
• allocution
• attribution
• comminution
• constitution
• contribution
• convolution
• destitution
• devolution
• diminution
• dissolution
• distribution

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