understudy 1 of 2

understudy

2 of 2

verb

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 understudy
Noun
Keaton began her acting career on Broadway in 1968 as an understudy for Sheila in Hair before eventually moving on to her first main role as Linda Christie in Woody Allen’s Broadway play Play It Again, Sam, where she was later nominated for a Tony for her performance and soon became Allen’s muse. Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 11 Oct. 2025 It was widely assumed that Moore — Dillon Gabriel’s understudy last season — would be the Ducks quarterback this season, but coach Dan Lanning did not publicly name a starter before the game. Anne M. Peterson, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2025
Verb
Not so for Jay Armstrong Johnson and understudy Jerica Exum as Christian and Satine. Michael Barnes, Austin American Statesman, 8 July 2025 Consequently, Brett Veach aggressively targeted tackles in free agency (giving Trent Williams understudy Jaylon Moore a two-year, $30 million deal) and the 2025 NFL Draft (spending the first-round pick on Josh Simmons). James Brizuela, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for understudy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for understudy
Noun
  • The event had been scheduled as a replacement for the 2026 All-Star Weekend, which had previously been awarded to the New York Islanders.
    Chris Johnston, New York Times, 22 Oct. 2025
  • Given last year's halftime show drawing over 127 million viewers, Bad Bunny may not need to lose sleep over 50,000 signees calling for his replacement.
    Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 21 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The Blue Jays tied the game 1-1 in the fifth inning when Springer hit an RBI double, scoring Addison Barger.
    Jon Paul Hoornstra, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Oct. 2025
  • But the next batter, Betts, laced a first-pitch sinker into center for an RBI double.
    Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Colorful murals substitute for windows.
    Robert F. Worth, The Atlantic, 19 Oct. 2025
  • First, where the classic Boulevardier recruits the broad oaky shoulders of bourbon or rye for its base, Taylor substituted in apple brandy, which is similarly barrel aged but is distilled from apples instead of corn or rye, giving a core fruity quality beneath the familiar oak.
    Jason O'Bryan, Robb Report, 18 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The series, loosely based on creator Erin Foster’s real-life romance with her husband, is a rom-com about the relationship between shiksa podcaster and Foster stand-in Joanne (Kristen Bell) and her rabbi boyfriend Noah (Adam Brody).
    Esther Zuckerman, Time, 21 Oct. 2025
  • The protests are led by a youth movement which uses symbols — including a pirate flag from popular Japanese manga One Piece, a stand-in for confronting oppression — associated with demonstrations in other countries, including Morocco, Nepal, and Peru.
    Ben Smith, semafor.com, 14 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Thompson and Evangeline were married for over 10 years before the comedian filed for divorce in April 2022.
    Alyssa Davis, PEOPLE, 19 Oct. 2025
  • Last week, Zelda Williams, the daughter of late comedian Robin Williams, asked that people stop sending her AI videos of her father.
    Samantha Subin, CNBC, 17 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • In excerpts from Federline’s book published by the New York Times earlier this week, the 47-year-old claims that one of the couple’s sons allegedly woke up one night to find Spears standing in the doorway holding a knife.
    Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 17 Oct. 2025
  • Concert etiquette is on the decline and, at least in my experience, tallest people alive stand in front of me during the show.
    Meredith Wilshere, PEOPLE, 17 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • That brush-off on top of Chris somehow edging her out of the Olympic team so that Tunde wound up as an alternate was too much not to go nuclear.
    Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 15 Oct. 2025
  • Sophie Segreti Sophie, a strategy associate in New York City, was determined to make the most of her Survivor experience after being cast as an alternate and not being able to compete on season 48.
    Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 25 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Earlier this month, the influencer shared another step in her journey to honor her late son's memory.
    Madison E. Goldberg, PEOPLE, 22 Oct. 2025
  • Already, a bevy of startups are looking to step in and equip banks with AI that can help with all that.
    Dave Smith, Fortune, 21 Oct. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Understudy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/understudy. Accessed 23 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on understudy

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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