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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
This kind of substitutive logic appears in early case histories of anorexia.
—
Anna Shechtman, The New Yorker, 20 Dec. 2021
This simple, substitutive kind of automation, Mr. Acemoglu and Mr. Restrepo wrote, threatens not just individual workers, but the economy as a whole.
—New York Times, 6 Mar. 2021
Somewhere along the line, a foundational philosophy emerged: Identity is additive, not substitutive.
—Monte Reel, Bloomberg.com, 20 July 2017
Anna Shechtman, The New Yorker, 20 Dec. 2021
This simple, substitutive kind of automation, Mr. Acemoglu and Mr. Restrepo wrote, threatens not just individual workers, but the economy as a whole.
—New York Times, 6 Mar. 2021
Somewhere along the line, a foundational philosophy emerged: Identity is additive, not substitutive.
—Monte Reel, Bloomberg.com, 20 July 2017
Recent Examples of Synonyms for substitutive
Adjective
-
They’re combined with a non-toxic, hypoallergenic down alternative filling, creating a plush and luxurious sleeping experience that’s designed for back, side, and stomach sleepers.—
Megan Schaltegger,
PEOPLE,
7 Jan. 2026
-
Saudi Arabia has a contract to host the event until 2029, but the Gulf nation hosting next year’s Asian Cup — which clashes with Spanish football’s scheduling of the tournament — has led to an alternative location in the Middle East being sought by the RFEF.—
Guillermo Rai,
New York Times,
7 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Given the actors' previous antics on the podcast, however, there's a big question mark over how sincere Glassman's new comments are.—
Raechal Shewfelt,
Entertainment Weekly,
13 Jan. 2026
-
The moratorium, which was confirmed by the league, was necessary because the sides failed to reach a deal on a new collective bargaining agreement or an extension of the current one by Friday night’s deadline.—
Doug Feinberg,
Twin Cities,
13 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
After nine holes of alternate-shot, the players compete individually in Singles for six more holes.—
Keith Stewart,
New York Times,
13 Jan. 2026
-
For a harder version, try shoulder taps, which involve tapping alternate shoulders in the plank position without twisting.—
Sherri Gordon,
Health,
13 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Coulibaly only made four substitute appearances for Partick.—
Jay Harris,
New York Times,
3 Jan. 2026
-
Parents can also anticipate which meals and settings are truly challenging for their child and bring a substitute safe meal for the child to consume while at a holiday feast.—
Dr. Ellen S. Rome,
Boston Herald,
21 Dec. 2025
Adjective
-
Newsom is certainly right that California is a great state and an economic engine unmatched by other states.—
Sal Rodriguez,
Oc Register,
9 Jan. 2026
-
To address the problem, water managers many years ago lowered the levels, but the tree islands never recovered, leaving ghosts of islands that lack the elevation to support the majestic hardwoods found in other parts of the Everglades, such as cypress, pond apple and pop ash trees.—
Amy Green,
Miami Herald,
9 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Substitutive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/substitutive. Accessed 15 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
