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
  • Midi Skirts Midiskirts are the breezy, pants-alternative summer trend that’s taking the spot of the boho maxiskirt trend that’s dominated the past few years.
    Kaitlin Clapinski, InStyle, 21 July 2026
  • Consumers increasingly value flexibility, so dealerships and automakers should market leasing around affordability, convenience and the ability to upgrade to newer vehicles, rather than treating it as an alternative financing option.
    Zoriy Birenboym, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
Adjective
  • Among those rumoured to be part of a new regime, the old 1998 goalkeeper Fabien Barthez is in the mix.
    Amy Lawrence, New York Times, 21 July 2026
  • Iran’s unemployment has worsened since the conflict began, and its currency has hit new lows.
    Jomana Karadsheh, CNN Money, 21 July 2026
Adjective
  • Employers staggered work schedules, commuters mapped alternate routes and many residents avoided the city altogether.
    Andrea Clement, AJC.com, 17 July 2026
  • When their time-travel adventure creates an alternate reality, the pair must journey into Wonderland to stop the villainous Maddox Hatter (Leonardo Nam) and rescue the Queen of Hearts (Rita Ora).
    Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
Adjective
  • That pointed straight at a spillage from substitute goalkeeper Senne Lammens in the 88th minute, punished ruthlessly by Merino for the decisive goal.
    Oliver Kay, New York Times, 15 July 2026
  • It would then be brought to the Senate and House floors for 100 hours of consideration, during which time lawmakers may propose substitute amendments.
    Lorie Konish, CNBC, 14 July 2026
Adjective
  • The Big Bend Sector has not experienced the high number of border crossings seen in recent years in other areas farther south along the Rio Grande or in Arizona or California, owing to the remote and challenging terrain on both sides of the border.
    ABC News, ABC News, 22 July 2026
  • Today, some bright spots aside, the Art Deco District’s historic commercial spine is a drab length of vacant and unkempt storefronts, smoke shops, liquor stores, fast-food outlets, cheap T-shirt emporia and other varieties of tourist trap.
    Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 22 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Substitutive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/substitutive. Accessed 24 Jul. 2026.

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