Synonyms of sub

sub 1 of 3

noun (1)

as in submarine

a large sandwich on a long split roll

we shared a tuna sub at lunch

Synonyms & Similar Words

• submarine
• hero
• torpedo
• grinder
• hoagie
• Italian sandwich
• po'boy
• Cuban sandwich

sub

2 of 3

noun (2)

ˈsəb 

as in substitute

a person or thing that takes the place of another

we had a sub in English today, so we didn't get our test results back

Synonyms & Similar Words

• substitute
• replacement
• backup
• surrogate
• assistant
• stand-in
• cover
• reserve
• relief
• proxy
• pinch hitter
• designated hitter
• fill-in
• locum tenens
• alternate
• deputy
• second
• delegate
• factor
• agent
• makeshift
• rep
• representative
• commissary
• apology
• attorney
• assignee
• successor
• stopgap
• procurator
• envoy
• understudy
• reliever
• superseder

sub

3 of 3

verb

as in to substitute

to serve as a replacement usually for a time only

the weekend anchor is subbing for the station's main anchor all this week

she subbed for middle school teachers in the district as needed

Synonyms & Similar Words

• substitute
• spell
• cover
• stand in
• take over
• fill in
• step in
• pinch-hit
• double (as)
• relieve
• understudy

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of sub

Noun

The 6-foot-2 Gonzalez, who had played 62 minutes across five sub appearances before Saturday, provides power, decision-making, change of pace and ability to draw defenders in and then combine with others, Knowles said. —Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 23 May 2026

The time-only piece features an 18-karat white gold case and a white enamel dial with a sub-seconds at 6 o’clock. —Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 23 May 2026

Verb

For a spicier look, sub the blue polish for your favorite shade of red. —Kara Jillian Brown, InStyle, 21 May 2026

In addition to Wong, Isiah Kiner-Falefa also subbed into the game at first base for Willson Contreras. —Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 17 May 2026