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

In terms of a substitute striking so rapidly, the first comparison that came to mind was Nicklas Bendtner for Arsenal against Tottenham Hotspur in 2007. —Phil Hay, The Athletic, 15 Jan. 2025

Nutritional yeast, nuts and seeds, whole grains, and dairy substitutes can also provide a variety of essential vitamins and minerals. —Merve Ceylan, Health, 14 Jan. 2025

Verb

The 28-year-old England international has not completed a full 90 minutes in the league once this season and has been substituted more times (14) than any of his team-mates. —Jay Harris, The Athletic, 15 Jan. 2025

If that is not possible, for financial or practical reasons, could the risky component be substituted with something less dangerous to employees? —Borislav "bobby" Marinov, Forbes, 15 Jan. 2025

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