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

While neither would preclude an attack on an armed enemy combatant, analysts noted the Iranian ship was not nearly in an equal fight with the US fast-attack sub. —Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 5 Mar. 2026

Potential sub shortage looms Should the strike drag on, the school district will be under growing pressure to have sufficient teachers for its students. —Jennah Pendleton, Sacbee.com, 5 Mar. 2026

Verb

The Wolves responded by scoring the first nine points of the quarter, forcing Denver coach David Adelman to sub Murray back into the game. —Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 1 Mar. 2026

Isiah Kiner-Falefa will start at first base and Andruw Monasterio is expected to sub in midway through the game. —Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 1 Mar. 2026