substitute 1 of 3

substitute

2 of 3

adjective

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?

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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
His final appearance as a Rapid was a 15-minute substitute appearance last month against the Galaxy. Braidon Nourse, Denver Post, 19 July 2025 Last year, Medicare spent over $10 billion on dubious bandages—called skin substitutes—that come with eye-popping prices. Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 17 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
  • In a July 30 note, Bill Adams, chief economist for Comerica Bank, noted that Trump may use Kugler's opening to appoint his pick for Fed Chair Jerome Powell's replacement.
    Bailey Schulz, USA Today, 2 Aug. 2025
  • There was a 17-minute delay in the first half of Shrewsbury Town’s fixture against Bromley as a replacement for Scott Chaulkley was found.
    Jessica Hopkins, New York Times, 2 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • But there’s alignment between the parties on regulating deepfake pornography and synthetic child abuse material, which could kickstart a series of legislative actions, Sexton said.
    Rachyl Jones, semafor.com, 23 July 2025
  • The push for tools to address overdoses has taken on more urgency as deaths from synthetic opioids have skyrocketed in Texas and across the U.S. Fentanyl was identified as the likely cause of a surge of 79 overdoses in Austin last spring, which killed nine people.
    Bayliss Wagner, Austin American Statesman, 23 July 2025
Adjective
  • Different teams adopt alternative platforms to meet their needs.
    Adrian Bridgwater, Forbes.com, 25 July 2025
  • Retail industry experts confirmed that families are responding by shopping earlier than in previous years, seeking discounts and alternative brands to manage costs.
    Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 July 2025
Verb
  • The suspect then exchanged gunfire with officers and was critically wounded, according to police.
    Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 1 Aug. 2025
  • No money was exchanged or taken from any casino and into my pocket.
    Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 31 July 2025
Verb
  • Logan Webb took the mound at Oracle Park on a frigid Friday night with an opportunity to spell the relievers, to keep them rested for the looming tasks at hand.
    Justice delos Santos, Mercury News, 26 July 2025
  • But removing those regulatory credits from Tesla’s balance sheet could spell disaster for the company’s financial future, perhaps even resulting in ongoing losses.
    Chris Isidore, CNN Money, 22 July 2025
Verb
  • The open outcry trading and hand signals depicted in Trading Places and Wall Street have been replaced by streamlined digital trading experiences on global exchanges.
    Harry Temkin, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2025
  • Wiles replaces Marc Bridge-Wilkinson in the role, who left at the end of last season after 10 years at the club and took up an assistant manager position at League One’s Huddersfield Town.
    James Pearce, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • So this fall, consider swapping your jeans and faux leather pants for suede trousers.
    Alexandre Marain, Glamour, 1 Aug. 2025
  • Crossbody Bags Inspired by Jessica Alba Between the square silhouette and front buckles, this faux leather crossbody bag looks similar to the one Alba just wore.
    Emily Weaver, People.com, 1 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • That's why the family was so heartened to welcome back customers, old and new.
    Bahar Anooshahr, AZCentral.com, 24 July 2025
  • The 151st Kentucky Derby set new records for all-sources handle and viewership.
    Olivia Evans, The Courier-Journal, 24 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Substitute.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/substitute. Accessed 5 Aug. 2025.

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