substitute

1 of 2

noun

sub·​sti·​tute ˈsəb-stə-ˌtüt 

-ˌtyüt

: a person or thing that takes the place or function of another

substitute adjective

substitute

2 of 2

verb

substituted; substituting

transitive verb

1

a

: to put or use in the place of another

b

: to introduce (an atom or group) as a substituent

also : to alter (something, such as a compound) by introduction of a substituent

a substituted benzene ring

2

: to take the place of : replace

intransitive verb

: to serve as a substitute

Synonyms

Noun

• backup
• cover
• designated hitter
• fill-in
• locum tenens
• pinch hitter
• relief
• replacement
• reserve
• stand-in
• sub

Verb

• change
• commute
• exchange
• shift
• swap
• switch
• trade

Examples of substitute in a Sentence

Noun

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

Verb

One of our teachers is sick, so we need someone to substitute.

They substituted real candles with electric ones.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Use as an Egg Substitute Flaxseeds are a common egg substitute, especially in vegan or allergy-friendly recipes. —Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, Rdn, Health, 16 Dec. 2024

But there’s still no substitute for the experience of watching an actor crawl into the skin of another person and take them out for a spin. —Vulture Editors, Vulture, 13 Dec. 2024

Verb

This article is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. —Kyle J. Russell, USA TODAY, 18 Dec. 2024

However, human capabilities, like making moral judgments, and using ... Post AI’s rapid advancement has ignited enthusiasm about its potential to revolutionize corporate decision-making by substituting for expensive, fallible humans. —Martin Reeves, Harvard Business Review, 11 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, from Anglo-French substitut, from Latin substitutus, past participle of substituere to put in place of, from sub- + statuere to set up, place — more at statute

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Phrases Containing substitute

• substitute teacher

Kids Definition

substitute

1 of 2 noun

sub·​sti·​tute ˈsəb-stə-ˌt(y)üt 

: a person or thing that takes the place of another

substitute adjective

substitute

2 of 2 verb

substituted; substituting

1

: to put in the place of another : replace

2

: to serve as a substitute

substitution

ˌsəb-stə-ˈt(y)ü-shən

noun

Medical Definition

substitute

1 of 2 noun

sub·​sti·​tute ˈsəb-stə-ˌt(y)üt 

: a person or thing that takes the place or function of another

father and mother substitutes

substitute adjective

substitute

2 of 2 transitive verb

substituted; substituting

: to put or use in the place of another: as

a

: to introduce (an atom or group) as a substituent

b

: to alter (as a compound) by introduction of a substituent