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?

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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

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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

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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
This breakthrough provides a sustainable substitute for palm oil, one of the most controversial raw materials in global supply chains. Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 4 Sep. 2025 The sugar substitutes and sugar alcohols examined in the study were acesulfame-K, aspartame, erythritol, saccharin, sorbitol, tagatose and xylitol, which are both found in certain food products and used as standalone sweeteners. Hannah Millington, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Sep. 2025
Adjective
The 30-year-old has gone from being fourth-choice goalkeeper at Wolves, making one substitute appearance in his two seasons at Molineux, to third-choice at Everton. Tim Spiers, New York Times, 2 Sep. 2025 However, critics say just about anyone could claim to be a substitute caregiver under the legislation’s loose definition, thereby potentially endangering children rather than protecting them. Dan Walters, Oc Register, 21 Aug. 2025
Verb
This article is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. Malana Vantyler, AZCentral.com, 28 Aug. 2025 When making the switch to a plant-forward diet, Moon advised easing into it with small changes such as adding leafy greens to smoothies, using tofu in a grain bowl, and substituting animal fats for olive oil. Sarah Garone, Health, 27 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for substitute
Recent Examples of Synonyms for substitute
Noun
  • But the manager did bring Crow-Armstrong into the game as a defensive replacement in the top of the ninth inning.
    Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 3 Sep. 2025
  • This is a possible replacement for GPS, or the Global Positioning System, which recent events have shown is dangerously hackable and jammable.
    John Koetsier, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The drugs included protonitazene and metonitazene, two synthetic opioids with respective potencies of 100 and 200 times more powerful than morphine, court documents say.
    David Ferrara, The Enquirer, 4 Sep. 2025
  • By transforming ethanol into synthetic oils that can serve as HEFA feedstocks, the company’s technology could diversify and strengthen SAF production.
    Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 4 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • If not covered, check alternative options like FEMA assistance or other reimbursement programs.
    Kristine Gill, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Sep. 2025
  • Tenant downstairs has the freedom to wear earplugs or seek alternative living arrangements.
    Soo Kim, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • All four umpires form a circle and leave room for one representative from each team to exchange lineup cards.
    Chandler Rome, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro (L) exchanges documents with Russian President Vladimir Putin (R) prior to the meeting with President of Russia, May 7, 2025 in Moscow, Russia.
    Robert Birsel Shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Advertisement Advertisement The online marketplace Etsy has evolved into the go-to site for spell casting services.
    Taylor Crumpton, Time, 2 Sep. 2025
  • Most of the stations of Faithfull’s cross also get visited here, including the overdoses and struggles with addiction, breakups, a miscarried child, and spells when she was clearly being exploited by others who were happy to use her notoriety to their own advantage.
    Leslie Felperin, HollywoodReporter, 31 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Ryan was replaced in the third inning by right-handed reliever — and former Royal — Thomas Hatch.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 7 Sep. 2025
  • Our testers especially loved that the granules are packaged in an ergonomic plastic jug that makes lifting and tilting it a breeze when replacing the litter.
    Kayla Blanton, PEOPLE, 7 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Subtle bits of faux wheat give it additional texture, and there’s an attached loop in the back for easy hanging.
    Shea Simmons, Southern Living, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Pair the duo with fairy lights, a thin linen runner, and more faux foliage to create a stunning seasonal scene.
    Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • That new equalized funding formula went into effect after a three-year transition period in 2024, when 44 groups each got $9,269, according to the three-year awards report.
    Claudia Levens, jsonline.com, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Swiss transportation company Twiliner is kicking off a new night bus service later this year that will be more akin to a business class airline seat than your typical bus.
    Opheli Garcia Lawler, Travel + Leisure, 8 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Substitute.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/substitute. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

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