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 movie, which is being released under Bleecker’s new event cinema sub-label, Crosswalk, is looking forward to a good mid to high single digit weekend. —Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 6 Feb. 2026

Guests at a new sub sandwich shop in Connecticut get a special treat that can’t be eaten. —Pamela McLoughlin, Hartford Courant, 6 Feb. 2026

Verb

Wing Josh Minott, who’s appeared in just three games since late December, also subbed in late. —Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 31 Jan. 2026

James was subbed off midway through the fourth as the rout continued. —Los Angeles Times, 29 Jan. 2026