Definition of substitutivenext
as in alternative
taking the place of one that came before his recent religious fanaticism is only the latest substitutive addiction of a person with an addictive personality

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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 substitutive At the top end, its role is more augmentative than substitutive, and its impact more incremental than disruptive or transformational. Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, Forbes.com, 27 Apr. 2026 This kind of substitutive logic appears in early case histories of anorexia. Anna Shechtman, The New Yorker, 20 Dec. 2021
Recent Examples of Synonyms for substitutive
Adjective
  • The company added that the vessel can also be equipped with alternative combat management systems, including the Lockheed Martin CMS330 Combat Management System.
    Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Forbes queried every sponsor asking if it had been offered alternative benefits or reimbursement, but only one responded.
    Suzanne Rowan Kelleher, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • That same year, Wolfram set out on an ambitious new direction in science aimed at understanding the origins of complexity in nature.
    Big Think, Big Think, 4 Aug. 2026
  • If your crepe myrtles aren’t receiving enough light, transplant them to a new growing location when the plants are dormant in winter.
    Lauren Landers, The Spruce, 4 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Iran’s proxies in the region, the Houthis, have since blockaded another strait – the Bab-al-Mandeb – challenging Saudi Arabia’s ability to export oil through that alternate route.
    David Goldman, CNN Money, 3 Aug. 2026
  • While the Lawrence Avenue exit is closed, IDOT recommends commuters account for additional time in their drive and seek alternate routes.
    Allison Kiehl, Chicago Tribune, 2 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Fellow forward Thomas-Asante was used sparingly, making two substitute appearances in Ghana’s four games.
    Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 24 July 2026
  • Finally, in minute 106, substitute Ferran Torres scored a goal for Spain, securing them the World Cup victory and denying Argentina a back-to-back win.
    Michael Schneider, Variety, 21 July 2026
Adjective
  • The service Casually buttoned-up and (like many other things at this property) classic New York, with concierge and servers always ready to lend a hand—but without fussing over anything.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Aug. 2026
  • While plenty of chic boots are obviously on her radar, her seasonal collection includes a range of other styles, too, like sneakers, loafers, and flats.
    Isabel Bekele, InStyle, 5 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Substitutive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/substitutive. Accessed 6 Aug. 2026.

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