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?

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
Larsson then played as the Heat substitute off the bench in the second half, converting a 3-pointer on his first attempt of the third period. Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 12 Mar. 2025 Millions of people are using AI as a substitute for a romantic partner or a friend. João Medeiros, WIRED, 7 Mar. 2025
Verb
Those pacers would be substituted with two different escorts for the final two laps. Jeré Longman, New York Times, 26 Feb. 2025 Having substituted for Hikaru Kitagawa after intermission, Koga made her presence felt when tapped the rebound into the empty net to break a 1-1 tie. Kyle Kensing, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for substitute
Recent Examples of Synonyms for substitute
Noun
  • Supply chain bottlenecks and shortages of critical components—such as semiconductors and specialized machinery—have further driven up prices, highlighting the substantial gap between current book values and genuine replacement or reproduction costs.
    Mark Le Dain, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025
  • Sadly, Stella was discontinued in 2011, but of course, Reddit has suggestions on a replacement.
    Margaux Anbouba, Vogue, 21 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Undoubtedly, bad actors will seek to exploit these AI agents to create synthetic buyer identities, manipulate transactions and automate fraudulent purchases at scale.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025
  • In a proactive move, Canada began cracking down on fentanyl and synthetic opioids well before Trump imposed tariffs this year.
    Anna Giaritelli, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 12 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • But Charlamagne on Friday questioned Schumer’s logic, arguing Democrats should have presented an alternative funding measure.
    Sophia Vento, The Hill, 15 Mar. 2025
  • Arab nations have expressed vehement opposition and offered an alternative reconstruction plan that would leave the Palestinians in place.
    arkansasonline.com, arkansasonline.com, 15 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • The Bulldogs stormed back and cut the lead to one with 29 seconds left after both teams exchanged buckets for several minutes.
    Ryan Morik, Fox News, 21 Mar. 2025
  • The eldest Duggar daughter, got engaged June 15 and exchanged vows during a traditional ceremony in front of 500 guests in Prairie Grove, Ark.
    Rachel Flynn, People.com, 21 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Such factors spell prime conditions for fires to develop and spread rapidly.
    Devoun Cetoute, Miami Herald, 21 Mar. 2025
  • However, financial experts warn that one mistake can spell catastrophe for your finances.
    Judy Lagrou, CNBC, 20 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Allow the carpet to dry Let the carpet dry completely before walking on it or replacing furniture.
    Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 22 Mar. 2025
  • Crawford and Schimel are vying for a 10-year term to replace retiring Justice Ann Walsh Bradley, who is generally regarded as left-leaning.
    Brenton Blanchet, People.com, 21 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Where Hailey will opt for sumptuous faux furs and nipped in waists, Justin is most comfortable in big hoodies and bigger shorts.
    Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 22 Mar. 2025
  • Many leather cleaners can also clean faux leather, vinyl, rubber and plastic — or at least some combination of them.
    BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 17 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • With respect to Korpisalo, the Sens’ love for their new goaltender has eclipsed their old flame.
    Julian McKenzie, The Athletic, 14 Mar. 2025
  • Many of the lingerie-centric stage costumes worn by Carpenter have been custom collaborations with Victoria’s Secret, including new looks that debuted on March 5 with the kickoff of the tour’s European leg in Dublin.
    Laurie Brookins, The Hollywood Reporter, 13 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Substitute.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/substitute. Accessed 28 Mar. 2025.

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