as in submarine
a large sandwich on a long split roll
we shared a tuna sub at lunch
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of sub
Dominic Patten, Deadline, 12 Sep. 2025
There’s probably only one place in the Bay Area that played critical roles in both World Wars, ran a secret nuclear-sub operation against the Russkis and now is a fantastic place to wine and dine.
—Randy McMullen, Mercury News, 11 Sep. 2025
Kirk Kenney, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Sep. 2025
Golliher had long-standing dreams of being a professional musician, while Zendé, whose father used to sub for Fishbone, says Pate, came from a musical dynasty.
—Abbey White, HollywoodReporter, 6 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sub
Noun
Swift and Lively’s long friendship had been a distinct sub-plot in the IEWU legal battles, with tabloid fodder that the duo have fallen out over the controversy adverse Eras Tour performer getting tainted with the whole thing.
—Dominic Patten, Deadline, 12 Sep. 2025
There’s probably only one place in the Bay Area that played critical roles in both World Wars, ran a secret nuclear-sub operation against the Russkis and now is a fantastic place to wine and dine.
—Randy McMullen, Mercury News, 11 Sep. 2025
Verb
Freshman transfer Michael Watkins subbed at center when Ulugalu-Maseuli was out.
—Kirk Kenney, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Sep. 2025
Golliher had long-standing dreams of being a professional musician, while Zendé, whose father used to sub for Fishbone, says Pate, came from a musical dynasty.
—Abbey White, HollywoodReporter, 6 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sub
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sub
substitute
Verb
-
In February’s 2-1 win against Wolverhampton Wanderers, Ibrahima Konate was booked in the 31st minute, but lasted until half-time, when he was substituted for Jarell Quansah.—
Andy Jones,
New York Times,
14 Sep. 2025
-
Joseph substituted Toklomati before stoppage time, and the crowd gave him a standing ovation.—
Colin Cerniglia,
Charlotte Observer,
14 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Sub.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sub. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.
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