substitutes 1 of 2

plural of substitute

substitutes

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of substitute
1
as in swaps
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 spells
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 replaces
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 substitutes
Noun
He was overshadowed by the four other second-half substitutes introduced by Hurzeler at Stamford Bridge. Andy Naylor, New York Times, 30 Sep. 2025 For those who may not be able to find sweetsop locally, paw paw or guava make great substitutes. Essence, 29 Sep. 2025 The same could be said for Martinelli and Eberechi Eze after the attacking duo impressed as substitutes, while Harvey Barnes or Anthony Elanga could make their way into Howe's XI. Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Sep. 2025 In Rupert’s absence, Henrikson said, a dozen substitutes have cycled through. Graham Womack, Sacbee.com, 26 Sep. 2025 No tactic associated with substitutes or the substitution process may be used to confuse opponents. Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 21 Sep. 2025 Material World is a weekly roundup of innovations and ideas within the materials sector, covering news from emerging biomaterials and alternative leathers to sustainable substitutes and future-proof fibers. Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 18 Sep. 2025 Invest in substitutes and recycling. Brendon Grunewald, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025 Sugar Isn't the Better Option for Brain Health Artificial sweeteners, or sugar substitutes, are not the only type of sweetener linked to cognitive decline. Stephanie Brown, Verywell Health, 16 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for substitutes
Noun
  • One such provision was set to eliminate replacements on property taxes for all political subdivisions, a measure that critics say would cut funding to essential public services such as schools and emergency services.
    Giulia Carbonaro, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Oct. 2025
  • Madagascar’s prime minister and cabinet ministers will operate on an interim basis until replacements are found.
    Paige Bruton, semafor.com, 1 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Hoping to teach Arj a lesson about coming to terms with his own life, the well-meaning but naive Gabriel swaps Arj's life with that of Jeff's (Seth Rogen), a wealthy venture capitalist living large in a ritzy home high above the hills.
    Jessica Wang, Entertainment Weekly, 7 Sep. 2025
  • Gabriel swaps Arj and Jeff’s circumstances to show him that money alone won’t solve all his problems.
    Hershal Pandya, Vulture, 7 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Sam Houston is 0-4 (bad), but the program spells Bearkats with a k (good).
    Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025
  • Defeat usually spells the end for the captain, especially if the loss is by a wide margin.
    Julio Cesar Valdera Morales, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Southwestern queso replaces the skillet beef and white skillet quesos, the restaurant chain said.
    Helena Wegner, Miami Herald, 2 Oct. 2025
  • Auburn replaces its entire starting five — and its head coach.
    CJ Moore, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Though The Wrong Paris exchanges the City of Lights for the Lone Star State, that doesn't stop Dawn from falling for Trey (Pierson Fodé), The Honeypot bachelor that the other girls are vying for.
    Christopher Rudolph, PEOPLE, 17 Sep. 2025
  • Legislators and lobbyists in suits chat with families while a city councilman exchanges first-name pleasantries with constituents, young and old, in line.
    Robin Roenker, Southern Living, 13 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The grand jury indictment supersedes the criminal complaint and allows the criminal case to skip the preliminary hearing phase and move toward a trial.
    Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 3 Oct. 2025
  • So the longevity of her dream somehow supersedes Julia’s dream?
    Brian Moylan, Vulture, 26 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The market still trades as if the pros don’t feel exposed enough to stocks, and strategists have had to pursue the index higher after the springtime confidence crash reversed faster than expected.
    Michael Santoli, CNBC, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Spirit Halloween trades iconic character names for more generic ones.
    Rebecca Morin, USA Today, 25 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Don't go into a basement, or any room, if water covers the electrical outlets or if cords are submerged.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 4 Oct. 2025
  • Carman provides teams with a dog vest, ID card, and liability insurance that covers them in the field.
    Kathleen Toner, CNN Money, 3 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Substitutes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/substitutes. Accessed 6 Oct. 2025.

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