Synonyms of substitute

substitute 1 of 3

noun

ˈsəb-stə-ˌtüt 

as in replacement

a person or thing that takes the place of another

you'll be getting a substitute until your regular teacher is feeling better

if you like, you can use nuts as a substitute for coconut in that recipe

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

substitute

2 of 3

adjective

1

as in synthetic

being such in appearance only and made with or manufactured from usually cheaper materials

substitute wools that supposedly have the look and feel of cashmere

Synonyms & Similar Words

• synthetic
• faux
• artificial
• simulated
• fake
• imitation
• dummy
• false
• mock
• imitative
• mimic
• manufactured
• ersatz
• pretend
• designer
• counterfeit
• factitious
• bogus
• sham
• process
• man-made
• deceptive
• engineered
• manipulated
• cultured
• forged
• fabricated
• adulterated
• pseudo
• concocted
• unauthentic
• misleading
• doctored
• fraudulent
• juggled
• phony
• feigned
• tampered (with)
• fudged
• affected
• pinchbeck
• spurious
• brummagem

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• real
• natural
• genuine
• legitimate
• true
• valuable
• authentic
• bona fide
• pure
• quality
• premium
• unadulterated

2

as in alternative

taking the place of one that came before

had to find substitute transportation during the bus strike

Synonyms & Similar Words

• alternative
• new
• alternate
• makeshift
• other
• substitutive
• another
• extra
• second
• different
• pinch
• separate
• spare
• equivalent
• improvised
• successive
• utility
• jury

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• original
• first
• former
• same
• equal
• identical
• permanent
• lasting

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?

Synonyms & Similar Words

• exchange
• swap
• trade
• change
• replace
• switch
• commute
• shift
• supersede
• displace
• interchange
• yield
• surrender
• cede
• reciprocate
• hand over

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• replace
• supersede
• supplant
• relieve
• displant
• displace
• cut out
• usurp
• preempt

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of substitute

Noun

Kratom became the substitute, essentially working as replacement therapy. — David Manheim, Rolling Stone, 28 July 2026

But in recent years the American male seems to have fully embraced white (and off-white) denim, recognizing its versatility as a slightly smarter alternative to the blue jean, and a more casual substitute for chinos. — Eric Twardzik, Robb Report, 27 July 2026

Adjective

Prices rise, traders look for substitute barrels, freight costs move and governments issue careful statements about stability. — Gregory Shahnovsky, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026

The same is true of Colombia, which got a 65th-minute goal from Luis Díaz and another from substitute Jáminton Campaz deep in stoppage time to beat stubborn Uzbekistan. — Los Angeles Times, 21 June 2026

Verb

Director Lileana Blain-Cruz is now substituted for Buena Vista Social Club director Saheem Ali and Pulitzer Prize winner Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, originally the book writer, is replaced by Peter Duchan (Dogfight). — Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 27 July 2026

Sunmaxxing itself is free, but a commercial layer has formed around tracking it, coaching it or substituting for it when the sun is not cooperating. — Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 25 July 2026