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

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 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
  • Trade routes such as the East-West pipeline in Saudi Arabia depend on export via tankers in the Red Sea, some analysts said, meaning any potential escalation of fighting in that area could shut off its viability as an alternative trade route.
    Max Zahn, ABC News, 18 Aug. 2026
  • With Hojbjerg seemingly having turned Newcastle down and Palhinha appearing likely to move elsewhere, Ross Wilson, the club’s sporting director, is exploring alternative midfield options.
    Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • In July, Heated Rivalry actor Hudson Williams was spotted in Seoul wearing a pair of calf-length white shorts from Descalco, a new swimwear brand that launches this week.
    Ashley Ogawa Clarke, Vogue, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Conceptually inspired by the 1989 Pininfarina Mythos, the Kode89 utilizes a new proprietary aluminum spaceframe and a carbon-fiber body.
    Peter Lyon, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • More information on the closure and alternate routes is on SF Public Works' website.
    Sooji Nam, CBS News, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Or do the mysterious events preceding the time jump hint at an alternate explanation?
    Ben Travers, IndieWire, 16 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
  • Six other co-conspirators who bought remains from Lodge have also pleaded guilty and received sentences.
    CBS News, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Cities and smaller communities across the country are competing for remote workers with thousands of dollars in cash, housing assistance, coworking memberships, and other perks designed to make relocating a little easier.
    Meggen Harris, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Substitutive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/substitutive. Accessed 21 Aug. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster