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
Relevance
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in alternative
taking the place of one that came before
had to find substitute transportation during the bus strike
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
2
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of substitute
Morgan Pearson, Verywell Health, 9 Jan. 2026
Celeriac works especially well as a substitute for higher-starch vegetables.
—Dr. Steven Gundry, CNBC, 9 Jan. 2026
Vanessa Swales, jsonline.com, 9 Oct. 2025
On a whim, the 30-year-old applied for several school positions — from cafeteria worker to custodian — including one for a substitute bus driver, despite having zero experience behind the wheel of a bus.
—Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 6 Sep. 2025
James Horncastle, New York Times, 13 Jan. 2026
Vandenberg intended to turn explosives into a tool of intimidation, and this verdict sends the message that attempts to substitute violence for expressing one’s opinion has no place in our communities and will be met with federal consequences.
—Ashley Carnahan, FOXNews.com, 12 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for substitute
Noun
Neither supplement is a substitute for lifestyle changes, and there's no evidence to show that taking them together is more effective.
—Morgan Pearson, Verywell Health, 9 Jan. 2026
Celeriac works especially well as a substitute for higher-starch vegetables.
—Dr. Steven Gundry, CNBC, 9 Jan. 2026
Adjective
Last month, Mayor Cavalier Johnson's administration proposed a change to the city's vehicle registration through a substitute ordinance that would see the annual fee jump from $30 to $40.
—Vanessa Swales, jsonline.com, 9 Oct. 2025
On a whim, the 30-year-old applied for several school positions — from cafeteria worker to custodian — including one for a substitute bus driver, despite having zero experience behind the wheel of a bus.
—Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 6 Sep. 2025
Verb
Dovbyk came on for Ferguson after an hour in Lecce, scored, but pulled a muscle and needed substituting himself.
—James Horncastle, New York Times, 13 Jan. 2026
Vandenberg intended to turn explosives into a tool of intimidation, and this verdict sends the message that attempts to substitute violence for expressing one’s opinion has no place in our communities and will be met with federal consequences.
—Ashley Carnahan, FOXNews.com, 12 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for substitute
Recent Examples of Synonyms for substitute
Noun
-
The recruitment of a permanent replacement for Mitchell is just beginning and may take much of 2026 to complete.—
Shomik Mukherjee,
Mercury News,
8 Jan. 2026
-
The company now provides hydro jetting, sewer repair and replacement, trenchless repairs, water damage cleanup services, and water filtration and softening systems.—
Alexander Coolidge,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
7 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
The women's beanie is highly functional, too, thanks to a blend of wool and synthetic materials that’ll take the chill out of biting days and perfectly stretch to fit your head.—
Alison Syrett Cleary,
InStyle,
9 Jan. 2026
-
One of the things that Patrick did to hint at the ending was creating this beautiful piece of music, while the girl is crying pearls, which was designed to be synthetic keyboard music.—
Destiny Jackson,
Deadline,
9 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Then look no further than this alternative leather bag.—
Caroline Hughes,
Travel + Leisure,
15 Jan. 2026
-
The availability of credit from alternative consumer lenders that don’t offer the statutory protections mandated for credit cards concerns consumer advocates.—
Business Columnist,
Los Angeles Times,
14 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
The families exchanged Christmas cookies as a parting gift.—
Nathan Pilling,
Kansas City Star,
9 Jan. 2026
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Since this is an Outlet item, it can’t be returned or exchanged—but is bound to sell out fast.—
Mariana Best,
Better Homes & Gardens,
9 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
While the football world was full of speculation, wondering whether his disappearance into a red-light therapy airstream spelled the end of his career, Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford’s summer was filled primarily with uncertainty.—
Adam Grosbard,
Oc Register,
7 Jan. 2026
-
Her occupational therapists helped her practice tasks like holding a pencil and spelling her name.—
Victoria Mejicanos,
Time,
7 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
The Angels previously replaced him as the top lefty in the bullpen by signing Drew Pomeranz earlier this winter.—
Jeff Fletcher,
Oc Register,
16 Jan. 2026
-
Busfield allegedly told police, per the warrant, that the parents were upset their sons had been replaced with a younger actor who auditioned.—
Liza Esquibias,
PEOPLE,
15 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Other details that make a room look smaller include faux beams and coffered ceilings.—
Timothy Dale,
The Spruce,
15 Jan. 2026
-
Fahsyee Faux Leather Skirt A pencil skirt exudes instant polish, but for a look that feels more evening-ready, go shorter with a style like this faux leather version from Fahsyee.—
Lane Nieset,
Travel + Leisure,
15 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Grammy-winning singer-songwriter and actor Harry Styles finally has a new album dropping after a nearly four-year hiatus, and fans are chomping at the bit.—
Charlie Vargas,
Oc Register,
16 Jan. 2026
-
Last year, the team effectively ditched plans to build a new stadium in a space next to the Coliseum known as the Malibu Lot, citing complications.—
Shomik Mukherjee,
Mercury News,
16 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Substitute.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/substitute. Accessed 16 Jan. 2026.
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