substitute 1 of 3

noun

ˈsəb-stə-ˌtüt How to pronounce substitute (audio)
Definition of substitutenext
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

substitute

2 of 3

adjective

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

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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

substitute

3 of 3

verb

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?

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2
as in to spell
to serve as a replacement usually for a time only substituting for the talk show host while she is on vacation

Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in to replace
to take the place of "John Doe," "Jane Doe," and "Baby Doe" substituted the real names of the parties involved to preserve their privacy

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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
Noun
After being an unused substitute against Burnley and Charlton Athletic this month, the attacker scored his first senior goal in the 41st minute. — Roshane Thomas, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026 Prosecutors, however, filed a substitute information, charging Shelton with one count of first-degree involuntary manslaughter. — Kansas City Star, 25 Aug. 2026
Adjective
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 It would then be brought to the Senate and House floors for 100 hours of consideration, during which time lawmakers may propose substitute amendments. — Lorie Konish, CNBC, 14 July 2026
Verb
Salah, who scored his first goals with his new club over the weekend, was substituted in the second half. — ABC News, 27 Aug. 2026 Ajala, a prolific scorer for the academy, was on the cusp of his first hat-trick since a youth league fixture against Crystal Palace’s under-18 in May 2024 — but Nuno substituted him in the 59th minute for Manor Solomon. — Roshane Thomas, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for substitute
Recent Examples of Synonyms for substitute
  1. replacement
  2. synthetic
  3. alternative
  4. exchange
  5. spell
  6. replace
  7. faux
  8. new
Noun
  • The superstructure on the Market Street Bridge over Amtrak and the Schuylkill Expressway is supposed to be partially demolished and then replaced, and replacements will be made to the sidewalk and decks adjacent to the bridge.
    — Kaitlyn McCormick, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2026
  • The wireless connection can also allow equipment manufacturers to avoid adding openings specifically for battery replacement or charging.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of replacement
Adjective
  • Rather, this is a dangerous, shape-shifting synthetic entity that ravaged their entire planet.
    — Siddhant Adlakha, Vulture, 24 Aug. 2026
  • And because the stretch is mechanical rather than synthetic, this construction maintains its comfort and flexibility over time.
    — Catherine Salfino, Footwear News, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of synthetic
Adjective
  • Some insurance and travel companies still depend on MTurk for data workers, and are now scrambling to find alternative platforms, Pawloski said.
    — Annie Palmer, CNBC, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Guidance includes carrying ample water and supplies, checking road and weather conditions in advance and taking an alternative means of communication, such as a satellite communicator or emergency beacon.
    — Lianne Kolirin, CNN Money, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of alternative
Verb
  • In my experience, guests at other Awasis aren't much for mingling, but there are some exceptions among Brazilians, who are more likely to exchange friendly greetings after sharing a boat experience.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Aug. 2026
  • First, the Huskies mixed it up with some marching band members on the practice field outside of Huskie Stadium, jumping in on a routine and exchanging fight songs, with the players chanting, clapping and pumping their fists during their version.
    — Colleen Kane, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of exchange
Verb
  • The shape spelled cat, and there was only one kind of cat in India big enough to make such prints.
    — Leslie E. Tassell, Outdoor Life, 27 Aug. 2026
  • This festival, whose name is actually Halloween spelled backward, is the largest annual festival in Kansas.
    — Katy Spratte Joyce, Midwest Living, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of spell
Verb
  • Other goals, like a lactation room, upgrading the fire alarm system to a voice evacuation system for the whole building and replacing the elevator came later.
    — Idaho Statesman, Idaho Statesman, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Summary Despite the digital shift, leading retailers are leveraging AI to enhance human customer connections, not replace them.
    — John Hall, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of replace
Adjective
  • The silhouette currently retails for $1,650 and features faux distressing across the uppers and toe box, making these heels look lived-in.
    — Amina Ayoud, Footwear News, 23 Aug. 2026
  • Use double-sided tape to attach a faux fur circle to the lid, and embellish the rim with colored tape.
    — Jodi Levine, Parents, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of faux
Adjective
  • Now is a great time to pick up a new pair of sneakers for fall while prices are low.
    — Anna Traver, InStyle, 1 Sep. 2026
  • With the team entering a new era with a new coaching staff, Baltimore made some moves that were a bit atypical on roster cutdown day.
    — Jeff Zrebiec, New York Times, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of new

Browse Nearby Words

substitutable
substitute
substituted
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Substitute.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/substitute. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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