substitute 1 of 3

Definition of substitutenext

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?

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

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

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
Another commenter suggested using it as a paneer substitute in Indian dishes if proper paneer is hard to come by in your area. Staff Author, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Apr. 2026 Impact substitute and left-arm fast bowler Ashwani Kumar took 4-24, Mitchell Santner 2-16, and spinner Allah Ghazanfar 2-17. ABC News, 20 Apr. 2026
Adjective
Antonio returned to the pitch for Jamaica in June, making three substitute appearances as his side — then led by Steve McClaren — suffered a group-stage exit in the Gold Cup. Jessica Hopkins, New York Times, 2 Mar. 2026 In the film, solar panels happen to serve as a substitute reflective surface. Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 19 Feb. 2026
Verb
Prizes may not be substituted for or redeemed for cash. Cbs La Staff, CBS News, 21 Apr. 2026 No psychedelic compound, no matter how powerful, can substitute for the human connections and material stability that recovery requires. Dimitri Mugianis, STAT, 20 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for substitute
Recent Examples of Synonyms for substitute
Noun
  • Instead, as Quick reported, Dundon has already been canvassing the basketball world for Splitter’s possible replacement while clearly not caring about the awful optics.
    Sam Amick, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2026
  • The replacement was made possible by the generous donation of an anonymous person, done in honor of his history-loving deceased wife.
    Janet Kusterer, Baltimore Sun, 26 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Opioid overdose deaths have skyrocketed since about 2013, when synthetic opioids became more prevalent, according to the CDC.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 20 Apr. 2026
  • The book raised issues about conservation and the environmental problems caused by synthetic pesticides.
    Makenna Morrison Gary, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Flora Chang, an analyst at financial services firm S&P Global Ratings told CNN the government’s proactive intervention has had some initial effect in curbing unhealthy competition, but platforms could find alternative ways to compete, including deploying subsidies in other forms.
    John Liu, CNN Money, 22 Apr. 2026
  • Authorities have also moved quickly to reinforce alternative supply routes through Red Sea ports, helping maintain the flow of goods into the kingdom and across parts of the Gulf.
    Alaa Shahine Salha, semafor.com, 22 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • And so Lobanov and Stetsenko carried on with their plans, exchanging vows at the Palace of Culture and then heading to a nearby café with their guests to celebrate.
    Erin Clack, PEOPLE, 20 Apr. 2026
  • Chavez-DeRemer’s husband and father exchanged text messages with young female staff members, according to the newspaper.
    Seung Min Kim, Los Angeles Times, 20 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Higher electricity costs could dog incumbents Rising electricity rates stemming partially from data centers could spell trouble for the toss-up district Republicans as the politicians attempt to run on an affordability agenda against the backdrop of the Iran war.
    Caleigh Keating, CNBC, 24 Apr. 2026
  • But since the advisory panels only provide advice, not a final determination, the three strikes won’t spell the end of the Park District’s project.
    Shun Graves, Chicago Tribune, 24 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The hospice movement that emerged in the latter half of the last century improved conditions for patients in the later years of life, replacing sterile, clinical hospital settings with holistic care centered on pain management, dignity, and quality of life.
    Tom Koutsoumpas, Oc Register, 24 Apr. 2026
  • Our approach would replace the outdated fuel-tax model with an annual fee based on vehicle weight, collected by states at the point of registration.
    Andrew Stasiowski, Boston Herald, 24 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Clear coatings, faux corduroy indigo and a 4×4 right-hand twill modeled after a Swiss miliary wool fabric were among the novelties.
    Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 22 Apr. 2026
  • Nobody winds up a winner in Agon, let alone makes it out of these faux Olympics unscathed.
    Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 21 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Even without the latest new-fangled gadgets, anglers are more technologically equipped than ever with things like GPS, electronic contour maps of lakes auto-steering trolling motors.
    Mike McFeely, Twin Cities, 24 Apr. 2026
  • McVay also said the decision to draft Simpson does not impact contract negotiations with Stafford as the Rams look to give him a new deal ahead of next season.
    Adam Grosbard, Oc Register, 24 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Substitute.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/substitute. Accessed 27 Apr. 2026.

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