substituting

present participle of substitute
1
as in exchanging
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

Relevance
2
as in covering
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 replacing
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 substituting That difference means substituting one for the other can change a dish’s character considerably. — Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 24 Sep. 2026 The work demonstrates a way to combine a renewable waste material with nanoscale reinforcement rather than simply substituting one material for another. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 18 Sep. 2026 In fact, substituting toys for all hazards and unwanted behaviors are excellent protective measures. — Emily Tarinelli, Los Angeles Times, 11 Sep. 2026 More concerning changes include consistently struggling to recall familiar words, substituting incorrect words, losing the meaning of common words, or experiencing memory problems that are getting worse or interfering with everyday life. — Allison Forsyth, HEALTH, 2 Sep. 2026 His character Ned Schneebly was supposed to be substituting — until Dewey impersonated him and stepped in. — Kate Hogan, PEOPLE, 25 Aug. 2026 Like the Republican critics of resistance politics, progressive ones depicted it as substituting legal tactics for electoral victories. — Jonathan Chait, The Atlantic, 20 Aug. 2026 Start by substituting the x- and y-coordinates of the two points into the equation describing the line to get two new equations. — Manon Bischoff, Scientific American, 18 Aug. 2026 Say, the need for even clearer descriptions for how long to mix pie dough; or indicating where ingredient swaps are possible, like substituting collard greens for kale in braised greens. — Chris Morocco, Bon Appetit Magazine, 13 Aug. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for substituting
Verb
  • Clark received another technical foul late in Indiana’s June 13 victory over Connecticut after exchanging words with Saniya Rivers.
    — Jackson Thompson OutKick, FOXNews.com, 3 Oct. 2026
  • The gunman vanished into a home while exchanging shots with deputies, and he was later found in one of the bedrooms, officials said.
    — Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 2 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • There, trenches, benches, niches and other architectural devices are carved into the floor and walls—adding to the drama of the paintings covering the walls.
    — Jacqueline Ortoleva, Scientific American, 3 Oct. 2026
  • In September, commission staff audited and accepted an engineering report covering a modular construction technique tested at Purdue University.
    — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 3 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • The project involved replacing nearly 9,000 feet of aging water main with a larger diameter pipe to ensure long-term drinking water safety, stabilize system pressure and enhance fire protection with 10 fire hydrants.
    — Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 8 Oct. 2026
  • One way this was achieved was by replacing the windows and glass areas to provide a more open view of the Japanese garden and bring more of the outdoor setting into the tasting room.
    — Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 8 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • If garlic or onions regularly leave you smelling off, Cleveland Clinic suggests using them sparingly or swapping in herbs and spices.
    — Samantha Agate, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 Oct. 2026
  • The clinic also suggests swapping garlic and onions for herbs and spices if those foods trigger odor.
    — Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 6 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • The Corona Centennial High football team has an interesting blend of players spelling their similar first names differently, leaving coach Matt Logan to be the referee as to which parents got the spelling correct.
    — Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 4 Oct. 2026
  • Instead of spelling the end of subscription growth, AI could instead put more pressure on companies to find new ways to convince customers of value.
    — Barbara Booth, CNBC, 27 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • The superseding indictment was expected, and Cole was in court on Thursday for his arraignment, according to a court calendar.
    — Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 2 Oct. 2026
  • In a superseding indictment filed in 2025, Michael Jarrett Jarrett and Davindra Ramanan were charged with stalking and other charges stemming from the July incident.
    — Angie DiMichele, Sun Sentinel, 2 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • The revival of physical media and the skyrocketing value of elaborate consumer experiences is very real and emerging as an antidote to fears that AI is changing everything.
    — Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 8 Oct. 2026
  • As Hollywood’s traditional career paths shift under social media and AI, mentors also offer stage time and practical support for young comics navigating a fast-changing creator economy.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 8 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Bagent was 25 for 34 while subbing for Caleb Williams, who missed his second straight game because of a right hamstring injury.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 4 Oct. 2026
  • Within 30 seconds of subbing on, Suarez raced past multiple defenders and placed it in the side-netting for the 3-0 lead in the 81st minute.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 17 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Substituting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/substituting. Accessed 11 Oct. 2026.

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