as in replacement
a person or thing that takes the place of another
you'll be getting a substitute until your regular teacher is feeling better if you like, you can use nuts as a substitute for coconut in that recipe
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
1
as in synthetic
being such in appearance only and made with or manufactured from usually cheaper materials
substitute wools that supposedly have the look and feel of cashmere
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in alternative
taking the place of one that came before
had to find substitute transportation during the bus strike
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in to exchange
to give up (something) and take something else in return
can I substitute coleslaw for potato salad if I order the chicken plate?
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
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 substitute
Mohammad Ayatollahi Tabaar, Foreign Affairs, 8 July 2025
To replace two of the units, Seely suggested in his presentation that ERCOT substitute with its Life Cycle Power mobile generation unites, which are currently leased to CenterPoint Energy, CNP, for emergency purposes.
—Karoline Leonard, Austin American Statesman, 8 July 2025
Stephanie Kuzydym, The Courier-Journal, 2 July 2025
Kalidou Koulibaly’s header put Al-Hilal back into the lead in extra-time, but substitutes Rayan Cherki and Foden combined to send the match to a thrilling conclusion.
—George Ramsay, CNN Money, 1 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for substitute
Noun
Iran also does not see nuclear weapons as a substitute for a strong conventional military.
—Mohammad Ayatollahi Tabaar, Foreign Affairs, 8 July 2025
To replace two of the units, Seely suggested in his presentation that ERCOT substitute with its Life Cycle Power mobile generation unites, which are currently leased to CenterPoint Energy, CNP, for emergency purposes.
—Karoline Leonard, Austin American Statesman, 8 July 2025
Verb
Judge Irv Maze is substituting in the seventh division of Jefferson Circuit Court while Judge Melissa Logan Bellows is out on a leave of absence.
—Stephanie Kuzydym, The Courier-Journal, 2 July 2025
Kalidou Koulibaly’s header put Al-Hilal back into the lead in extra-time, but substitutes Rayan Cherki and Foden combined to send the match to a thrilling conclusion.
—George Ramsay, CNN Money, 1 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for substitute
Recent Examples of Synonyms for substitute
Noun
-
Use it as an assistant for your work, not as a replacement.—
Rachel Wells,
Forbes.com,
9 July 2025
-
For the most part, he's either entered a game as a defensive replacement, a pinch-runner, or as a pinch-hitter in a blowout.—
Zach Pressnell,
MSNBC Newsweek,
9 July 2025
Adjective
-
Commissioner of the Food and Drugs Administration Marty Makary speaks at a news conference on removing synthetic dyes from America’s food supply, at the Health and Human Services Headquarters in Washington, DC on April 22, 2025.—
Annika Kim Constantino,
CNBC,
11 July 2025
-
Big ideas that were previously just dreams—such as using AI and big data to build synthetic control arms, conduct post-market analysis, or assist with scientific reviews—are now becoming a reality.—
MSNBC Newsweek,
MSNBC Newsweek,
11 July 2025
Adjective
-
Roads were closed in the area and police were asking folks to avoid Cataldi Park and find alternative routes.—
Jason Mastrodonato,
Mercury News,
14 July 2025
-
Although the film raked in over $44 million at the global box office, the need to bypass traditional studios reflects broader patterns where Black women must build alternative systems to access fair compensation.—
Sughnen Yongo,
Forbes.com,
13 July 2025
Verb
-
The noon Christmas in July event began with a lunch, then residents exchanged gifts during a popular seasonal game called white elephant – where typically low-cost items or interesting things lying around the house are wrapped and put in play.—
Jesse Wright,
Chicago Tribune,
8 July 2025
-
While chasing the suspect later in the morning, officers exchanged gunfire with the man and killed him.—
Claudia Levens,
jsonline.com,
8 July 2025
Verb
-
As mentioned in the aforementioned Instagram video, for some kids who are neurodiverse, a summer that lacks structure and routine may spell disaster.—
Tabitha St. Bernard-Jacobs,
Parents,
3 July 2025
-
Intriguingly, including an annual rodeo event in Music City's lineup of regular events could spell even more significant income in the years to come.—
Marcus K. Dowling,
The Tennessean,
2 July 2025
Verb
-
Andrew Vorhees is the clear favorite to replace Patrick Mekari at left guard and Nate Wiggins will be a Day 1 starter at outside corner in place of Brandon Stephens.—
Jeff Zrebiec,
New York Times,
8 July 2025
-
There are no long tubes, no extra pieces, and no filters to replace.—
Kaitlyn Gomez,
USA Today,
8 July 2025
Adjective
-
Save on a new faux leather crossbody from Vera Bradley for an impressive 76 percent off, a pair of cork footbed sandals that resemble popular styles worn by Sandra Bullock and Reese Witherspoon.—
Ali Faccenda,
People.com,
9 July 2025
-
Without it, as inequality worsens, the next populist may not be a faux champion of the people, but a genuine anti-capitalist insurgent.—
Dan Perry,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 July 2025
Adjective
-
The mayor has yet to internalize how much City Hall’s elaborate bait-and-switch on voters in winning approval of much-higher-than-promised new trash fees on 226,000-plus single-family homes has damaged his reputation.—
U T Editorial Board,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
12 July 2025
-
The veteran outfielder has been trying to adjust to a new role as a platoon DH this season.—
Abbey Mastracco,
New York Daily News,
12 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Substitute.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/substitute. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share