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
The relationship between exports and the domestic markets is that the export market, especially in developed countries, is a substitute for domestic consumption. Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 17 Apr. 2025 Row cover blocks pest access to the plants while also providing some frost protection, and insect mesh netting is a good row cover substitute for the warmer months to protect the plants while providing more airflow. Miri Talabac, Baltimore Sun, 16 Apr. 2025
Verb
For a more robust spice flavor, substitute an equal amount of either pumpkin pie spice or apple pie spice for the cinnamon. Ann Taylor Pittman, Southern Living, 12 Apr. 2025 But, if duty to their oaths does not move them, the raw chaos of the last five days should certainly substitute as motivation. The Editors, National Review, 8 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for substitute
Recent Examples of Synonyms for substitute
Noun
  • His replacement was Joe Willock, a rangy, athletic midfielder who helps Newcastle find a different gear in a game where there is space to exploit.
    Harry De Cosemo, Forbes.com, 28 Apr. 2025
  • Clogging the middle The Packers might have found their T.J. Slaton replacement in sixth-round Georgia defensive tackle Warren Brinson, who stands 6 feet 5 and weighs 315 pounds.
    Matt Schneidman, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Consumers with allergies to synthetic food dyes are advised to monitor recall databases and carefully examine product labels.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Apr. 2025
  • The Indianapolis facility includes a manufacturing plant that will begin producing drugs in 2026 and a site that represents the largest investment to make active pharmaceutical ingredients for synthetic medicines in the country's history.
    Alice Park, Time, 17 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Peanut butter eggs One Easter egg alternative recipe has gone viral on social media.
    Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 19 Apr. 2025
  • The ranking blends all major forms of consumption — sales, streams, and radio airplay — to show which tracks in the rock and alternative spheres are performing best in the U.S.
    Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 19 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Instead, tickets for Saturday’s game can be exchanged — online only — for a similar regular season game.
    Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 26 Apr. 2025
  • Gifts were exchanged, and the Pope wished the King and Queen a happy 20th wedding anniversary, which fell on the same day as their meeting.
    Meredith Kile, People.com, 26 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Potential Medicaid cuts from Congress could spell decreases to that funding.
    Rebecca Noel, Charlotte Observer, 23 Apr. 2025
  • Putin’s biggest concern is that Trump will blame Russia, bolster US support for Kyiv and impose tough new economic sanctions on Moscow, spelling an end to the potential benefits of a reconfiguration of US-Russia relations.
    Matthew Chance, CNN Money, 21 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Despite the best efforts of major technology companies to replace them with passkeys, the humble password remains with us.
    Davey Winder, Forbes.com, 27 Apr. 2025
  • Here, golden grasslands replace waterfalls and the horizon seems to stretch forever.
    Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 27 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Push your chairs and couches together to create a faux sectional look.
    Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Apr. 2025
  • And while both traditional and faux leather-making processes involve chemicals, PVC can release pollutants and toxic chemicals.
    Gia Yetikyel, Vogue, 26 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Season 5 to explore new relationship, show creator says While some may still be rooting for Emily to patch things up with Gabriel, the focus of this upcoming season will be Emily's relationship with Marcello, Star told Tudum.
    Amaris Encinas, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025
  • First discovered: 4 hours ago, 12:37 p.m. April 18 Initial location: San Mateo County, Calif. Fire type: Wildfire Fire name: Hill Ic A new wildfire was reported today at 12:37 p.m. in San Mateo County.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 19 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Substitute.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/substitute. Accessed 3 May. 2025.

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