Thesaurus results for SUBSTITUTING

substituting

verb

present participle of substitute

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

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

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 According to report last month by Morgan Stanley, there are signs the pill is already expanding the market – that is, customers aren’t just those substituting pens for pills, but many are GLP-1 newcomers. —

Anna Cooban, CNN Money, 7 May 2026 These changes were to be achieved by increasing the consumption of fruits and vegetables, decreasing the consumption of meat and eggs, and substituting nonfat milk for whole milk. —

Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 Apr. 2026 For a smoky kick, try substituting mezcal for the tequila. —

Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 27 Apr. 2026 Farke responded by substituting Bijol for Joe Rodon, who was much more confident in carrying the ball forward, and James Justin for Stach. —

Beren Cross, New York Times, 26 Apr. 2026 Here opposites — classy and brassy — are distractions, with odd-couple joking substituting for something more substantial. —

Frank Rizzo, Variety, 23 Apr. 2026 For consistent results, weigh your salt or use proper conversions when substituting between kosher and table salt. —

Anne Wolf, Martha Stewart, 23 Apr. 2026 The resort implements its sustainability commitment in ways beyond just substituting plastic water bottles (with reusable ones made of sugarcane waste) and harvesting rainwater to flush toilets. —

Travel + Leisure Editors, Travel + Leisure, 15 Apr. 2026 Consider introducing a habit of drinking plain water early, sticking to it, and avoiding substituting it with beverages that have added sugars. —

Joy Emeh, Health, 14 Apr. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for substituting

Verb

Inspired by their connection, Étienne contemplates exchanging his lonely existence for one filled with romance, but with a demanding route to cover, starring in a great love story may not be in the cards for the hard-working road warrior.

— Elaina Patton, IndieWire, 12 May 2026
The Andes virus is a rare variant that can be passed from person to person through significant and intimate close contact such as sharing a bed for an extended period of time or exchanging saliva.

— Irene Wright, USA Today, 11 May 2026