as in alternative
taking the place of one that came before
his recent religious fanaticism is only the latest substitutive addiction of a person with an addictive personality
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Recent Examples of substitutive
This kind of substitutive logic appears in early case histories of anorexia.
—
Anna Shechtman, The New Yorker, 20 Dec. 2021
This simple, substitutive kind of automation, Mr. Acemoglu and Mr. Restrepo wrote, threatens not just individual workers, but the economy as a whole.
—New York Times, 6 Mar. 2021
Somewhere along the line, a foundational philosophy emerged: Identity is additive, not substitutive.
—Monte Reel, Bloomberg.com, 20 July 2017
Anna Shechtman, The New Yorker, 20 Dec. 2021
This simple, substitutive kind of automation, Mr. Acemoglu and Mr. Restrepo wrote, threatens not just individual workers, but the economy as a whole.
—New York Times, 6 Mar. 2021
Somewhere along the line, a foundational philosophy emerged: Identity is additive, not substitutive.
—Monte Reel, Bloomberg.com, 20 July 2017
Recent Examples of Synonyms for substitutive
Adjective
-
With French support all but evaporated, organizers scramble for alternative sources.—
Smooth Nzewi,
Artforum,
2 Apr. 2026
-
The alternative punishment is life in prison without parole.—
Emerson Clarridge
Updated March 31,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
1 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Even the more politically active class of nonprofits — 501(c)(4) groups, like the relatively new American Hunters and Anglers — can’t make political activity its primary activity.—
Natalie Krebs,
Outdoor Life,
3 Apr. 2026
-
The Colorado Rockies are rolling out a lineup of new food offerings ahead of Opening Day, featuring everything from oversized hot dogs to inventive twists on classic ballpark staples.—
Jasmine Arenas,
CBS News,
3 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Motorists had to find an alternate route to Route 51 on Monday.—
Ross Guidotti,
CBS News,
30 Mar. 2026
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With generative AI tools, pro‑regime propagandists can manufacture alternate realities at scale, and a flood of AI‑made videos on social media depicts an Iran that is handily winning the war.—
Newsweek Editors,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Not sure the substitute teaching stipends could match that.—
Jay Paris,
Oc Register,
28 Mar. 2026
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On April 28, 2025, Charles was a substitute bus driver transporting 5-year-old Lens from Up Academy in Dorchester to his Hyde Park home, along with his 11-year-old cousin and a school bus full of kids.—
Grace Zokovitch,
Boston Herald,
26 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Sure, a lot of other stuff has to go right for the Royals to return to contention, including keeping their pitching staff healthy and progress by Caglianone and fellow promising rookie Carter Jensen.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
31 Mar. 2026
-
Crews set fire to trees, grease and various other objects to try out the capabilities.—
Joy Benedict,
CBS News,
31 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Substitutive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/substitutive. Accessed 7 Apr. 2026.
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