substitution

noun

sub·​sti·​tu·​tion ˌsəb-stə-ˈtü-shən How to pronounce substitution (audio)
-ˈtyü-
Synonyms of substitutionnext
1
a
: the act, process, or result of substituting one thing for another
b
: replacement of one mathematical entity by another of equal value
2
: one that is substituted for another
substitutional
ˌsəb-stə-ˈtü-sh(ə-)nəl How to pronounce substitution (audio)
-ˈtyü-
adjective
substitutionally adverb
substitutionary
ˌsəb-stə-ˈtü-shə-ˌner-ē How to pronounce substitution (audio)
-ˈtyü-
adjective

Examples of substitution in a Sentence

The coach made three substitutions in the second half of the game. I'd prefer rice with my steak instead of potatoes, but the menu says “no substitutions.” Substitution of applesauce for oil is one way of reducing the fat in recipes. The cookbook has a long list of substitutions for ingredients that may be hard to find.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
With the substitution of Thommy and Zorhan Bassong at the hour mark, Sporting started to settle in with fresher legs. — Daniel Sperry, Kansas City Star, 20 Apr. 2025 Maresca insisted the substitution was down to broader tactical considerations, but his choice left little room to envision a significant role for the 18-year-old in the defining stretch of Chelsea’s season. — Liam Twomey, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2025 No cash equivalent for the prizes will be offered and no other substitution or transfer of prizes permitted. — Emily Cegielski, Flow Space, 26 Mar. 2025 The four substitutions made by Simeone within the first 62 minutes showed the importance of rotating players in this run. — Dermot Corrigan, New York Times, 4 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for substitution

Word History

Etymology

Middle English substitucion, from Middle French, from Late Latin substitution-, substitutio, from substituere

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of substitution was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing substitution

Rhymes for substitution

See All Rhymes for substitution

Browse Nearby Words

substitutibility
substitution
substitution cipher
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Substitution.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/substitution. Accessed 26 Apr. 2025.

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Medical Definition

substitution

noun
sub·​sti·​tu·​tion ˌsəb-stə-ˈt(y)ü-shən How to pronounce substitution (audio)
1
: a chemical reaction in which one or more atoms or groups in a molecule are replaced by equivalent atoms or groups to form at least two products
especially : the replacement of hydrogen in an organic compound by another element or group
2
a
: the turning from an obstructed desire to another desire whose gratification is socially acceptable
b
: the turning from an obstructed form of behavior to a different and often more primitive expression of the same tendency
a substitution neurosis
c
: the reacting to each of a set of stimuli by a response prescribed in a key
a substitution test for speed of learning new responses

Legal Definition

substitution

noun
sub·​sti·​tu·​tion ˌsəb-stə-ˈtü-shən, -ˈtyü- How to pronounce substitution (audio)
: the substituting of one person or thing for another: as
a
in the civil law of Louisiana : a disposition not in trust by which a donee, heir, or legatee is charged to hold property transferred and return it to a third person compare fidei commissum, vulgar substitution

Note: Substitutions are prohibited.

b
: replacement of a party to an action with a successor or representative upon motion to the court when the party is unable to continue litigating (as because of death, incompetency, transfer of interest, or loss of the office for which the party was suing or being sued in an official capacity)
c
: the replacement of a new agreement or obligation for an old one see also novation
substitutional
-shə-nəl How to pronounce substitution (audio)
adjective
substitutionary
-shə-ˌner-ē How to pronounce substitution (audio)
adjective
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