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

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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 Terraza enjoys substituting guava for quince or pear in dessert recipes for a fun, tropical twist. Su-Jit Lin, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 July 2026 Sunmaxxing itself is free, but a commercial layer has formed around tracking it, coaching it or substituting for it when the sun is not cooperating. Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 25 July 2026 For centuries, technology has lowered costs by substituting mechanical power for human labor. Robert Pearl, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026 In the early days of the republic, there were many radicals and reformers who shared my suspicion that patriotism was an evasion, substituting songs and speeches about liberty for the reality. Dominic Erdozain, Time, 3 July 2026 Run an empty load with hot water, substituting white vinegar for detergent. Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 30 June 2026 In the present day, when artificial intelligence is taking over much translation work, this 500-year-old conflict reminds us that translation is never a simple matter of substituting one word for another. Michael Bruening, The Conversation, 30 June 2026 Contrary to what many people assume, substituting quantum vulnerable algorithms for PQC ones is anything but a drop-and-replace exercise. Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 23 June 2026 Although research results are mixed, some studies show that substituting other fats in the diet with avocados may result in significant reductions in triglyceride levels. Brittany Lubeck, Verywell Health, 18 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for substituting
Verb
  • Weatherford police were notified by Child Protective Services on July 30 that Liles was accused of exchanging inappropriate text messages with a student, according to a Facebook post from the department.
    Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Many ex-addicts turn to religion, exchanging one inflexible code for another; John’s own post-heroin spiritual exercises were omnivorous.
    Ian Penman, Harpers Magazine, 4 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Enterprise legal teams in 2026 routinely insist on data exit covering prompts, embeddings, and fine-tunes.
    Jason Snyder, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2026
  • Conti recommends setting up a simple observation board made from cardboard and covering it with a white sheet.
    Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 8 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Hardware stores typically stock repair and rewiring kits that make replacing worn parts easy.
    Jennifer Prince, Southern Living, 8 Aug. 2026
  • Then, on July 20, the Legislature voted unanimously to remove Abarca as chair, replacing him with Legislator Donna Peyton.
    Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 8 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Of course, not everyone agrees that swapping a glacier for a desert pool is a valid comparison.
    Christopher Elliott, USA Today, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Consider swapping a meeting for an email, since smart adjustments keep your body and schedule happy and calm.
    Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • While deep in the throes of his intestinal Hell, Tony has a series of fever dreams that start out as subtle warnings and end up practically spelling it out for him.
    Austin Perry OutKick, FOXNews.com, 5 Aug. 2026
  • But he is visited by Kanbei (Masaki Suda), an envoy from a different clan, who tells him that more and more factions are siding with Oda, spelling certain doom for Murashige.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 30 July 2026
Verb
  • Rozier was first arrested and charged in October, but prosecutors filed a superseding indictment in May, adding two new charges.
    Mike Vorkunov, New York Times, 31 July 2026
  • The case Chutkan dismissed was itself a superseding indictment from August 2024 that enhanced and replaced the original criminal case, filed a year earlier.
    Chris Brennan, USA Today, 30 July 2026
Verb
  • Hiring patterns also are changing, said Nela Richardson, ADP’s chief economist.
    Alicia Wallace, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2026
  • The months-long delay, barring a settlement, has added to industry angst given how rapidly the marketplace keeps changing due to tech and audience shifts.
    Dade Hayes, Deadline, 6 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • But when the Red Sox came out on defense in the bottom of the third Nick Sogard took Contreras’ place at first base, with Anthony Seigler subbing in at second base.
    Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 2 Aug. 2026
  • Good morning, Alexei Oreskovic here today, subbing in for Andrew.
    Alexei Oreskovic, Fortune, 29 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Substituting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/substituting. Accessed 10 Aug. 2026.

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