substitute 1 of 3

substitute

2 of 3

adjective

substitute

3 of 3

verb

1
as in to exchange
to give up (something) and take something else in return can I substitute coleslaw for potato salad if I order the chicken plate?

Synonyms & Similar Words

2
as in to spell
to serve as a replacement usually for a time only substituting for the talk show host while she is on vacation

Synonyms & Similar Words

3
as in to replace
to take the place of "John Doe," "Jane Doe," and "Baby Doe" substituted the real names of the parties involved to preserve their privacy

Synonyms & Similar Words

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of substitute
Noun
Most notably, the team lost first baseman Triston Casas to a season-ending knee injury and franchise slugger Rafael Devers has publicly refused to play as his substitute. Peter Chawaga, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 May 2025 Finally, there is no substitute for professional public health leadership with the competence and expertise to respond effectively to an emergency. Michael Petros, The Conversation, 7 May 2025
Verb
The Administration proposes to substitute non-profits who engage volunteers who assemble CSFP food boxes with for-profit companies who will pay employees to package MAHA food boxes. Andre Mouchard, Oc Register, 12 May 2025 The state website that tracks bills says the bill passed as substituted, but Molina in an interview and a representative from Trinity Metro in a statement said the bill passed as originally filed. Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for substitute
Recent Examples of Synonyms for substitute
Noun
  • The Broncos had four veteran players in for tryouts: Quarterback Ian Book — a former Payton draft pick in New Orleans and late replacement for Desmond Ridder — fullback Jack Colletto, running back Chris Evans and tight end Cole Fotheringham.
    Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 10 May 2025
  • His replacement, Anthony Banda, failed to stem a turning tide.
    Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 10 May 2025
Adjective
  • In announcing the replacements on Friday, the FDA said multiple food companies had already promised to remove the synthetic chemicals, making the 2026 target more likely.
    Dan Gooding Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 May 2025
  • Now, though, prices of synthetic diamonds have plummeted 90 percent at wholesale, according to a statement from the brand, marking a stark divergence from the price of traditional gems.
    Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 9 May 2025
Adjective
  • Consumer sentiments are clearly negative, arguably driven by the belief that the same topics will be explored by alternative, free-to-read platforms.
    Nia Bowers, USA Today, 15 May 2025
  • Acknowledge that behavior is a type of legitimate communication. Be willing to accept all forms of communication, including augmentative alternative communication, as valid.
    Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 14 May 2025
Verb
  • Peer groups, mastermind circles and business communities can provide a transformative space to exchange ideas and problem-solve.
    Hao Lam, Forbes.com, 9 May 2025
  • Iran and Israel have twice exchanged direct strikes, most recently in October, when the Israel Defense Forces claimed to have devastated Iranian air defense networks.
    Tom O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 May 2025
Verb
  • In other parts of the country, young immigrants and their adult sponsors are grappling with what the welfare checks could spell for them.
    Andrea Castillo, Los Angeles Times, 7 May 2025
  • Much about the piece of space debris, called Cosmos 482 (also spelled Kosmos 482), is unknown.
    Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 5 May 2025
Verb
  • More news to know now The acting FEMA administrator was replaced after contradicting Trump on abolishing the agency.
    Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 10 May 2025
  • President Donald Trump suggested Friday that the Wall Street Journal should replace its editor with the New York Post’s following a string of critical articles regarding his tariff plans.
    Elaine Mallon, The Washington Examiner, 9 May 2025
Adjective
  • Our feeds are flooded with faux news and half-truths, designed to prop up confirmation biases and advance political agendas.
    Slaine, Boston Herald, 10 May 2025
  • This depends on the material, but faux leather is usually less susceptible to damage from steam.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 10 May 2025
Adjective
  • In addition to offering previously unattainable data rates, Wi-Fi 7 will employ new technologies to reduce latency, increase network capacity, and boost efficiency.
    Iyaz Akhtar, PC Magazine, 13 May 2025
  • Available beginning May 12 for a limited time at participating Krispy Kreme shops, the Krispy Kreme x Pac-Man Collection features three new doughnuts in a custom Pac-Man game dozen box.
    Gabe Hauari, USA Today, 13 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Substitute.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/substitute. Accessed 20 May. 2025.

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