substitution

noun

sub·​sti·​tu·​tion ˌsəb-stə-ˈtü-shən How to pronounce substitution (audio)
-ˈtyü-
1
a
: the act, process, or result of substituting one thing for another
b
: replacement of one mathematical entity by another of equal value
2
: one that is substituted for another
substitutional
ˌsəb-stə-ˈtü-shnəl How to pronounce substitution (audio)
-shə-nᵊl
-ˈtyü-
adjective
substitutionally adverb
substitutionary adjective

Examples of substitution in a Sentence

The coach made three substitutions in the second half of the game. I'd prefer rice with my steak instead of potatoes, but the menu says “no substitutions.” Substitution of applesauce for oil is one way of reducing the fat in recipes. The cookbook has a long list of substitutions for ingredients that may be hard to find.
Recent Examples on the Web The run stretched to 18-5 before Spoelstra made substitutions. Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 23 Mar. 2024 Check our substitution chart to swap in other types of chocolate. Jan Miller, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Mar. 2024 This helps ensure better accuracy but also minimizes the need for substitutions. Steve Banker, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2024 The app also allows school transportation departments to communicate with parents about things like bus delays, substitutions, scheduling and route changes. Alec Johnson, Journal Sentinel, 12 Feb. 2024 Attorneys representing 10 plaintiffs who are either lactose intolerant or who have milk allergies argue that the surcharge for the substitutions is a form of discrimination that violates the Americans with Disabilities Act. Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 30 Jan. 2024 This is remarkable because the substitution process is not all that simple for the auto industry. Gaurav Sharma, Forbes, 10 Feb. 2024 This new science established a general truth of usage: words don’t serve as proxies for real objects in the world, but as proxies for other words, gaining meaning only through these substitutions. Anna Shechtman, Harper's Magazine, 9 Feb. 2024 Ross hurt his shoulder in MU’s loss at Seton Hall on Jan. 6, a game in which Lowery played just 13 seconds as a defensive substitution at the end of the first half. Ben Steele, Journal Sentinel, 15 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'substitution.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English substitucion, from Middle French, from Late Latin substitution-, substitutio, from substituere

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of substitution was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near substitution

Cite this Entry

“Substitution.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/substitution. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

substitution

noun
sub·​sti·​tu·​tion ˌsəb-stə-ˈt(y)ü-shən How to pronounce substitution (audio)
1
: a chemical reaction in which one or more atoms or groups in a molecule are replaced by equivalent atoms or groups to form at least two products
especially : the replacement of hydrogen in an organic compound by another element or group
2
a
: the turning from an obstructed desire to another desire whose gratification is socially acceptable
b
: the turning from an obstructed form of behavior to a different and often more primitive expression of the same tendency
a substitution neurosis
c
: the reacting to each of a set of stimuli by a response prescribed in a key
a substitution test for speed of learning new responses

Legal Definition

substitution

noun
sub·​sti·​tu·​tion ˌsəb-stə-ˈtü-shən, -ˈtyü- How to pronounce substitution (audio)
: the substituting of one person or thing for another: as
a
in the civil law of Louisiana : a disposition not in trust by which a donee, heir, or legatee is charged to hold property transferred and return it to a third person compare fidei commissum, vulgar substitution

Note: Substitutions are prohibited.

b
: replacement of a party to an action with a successor or representative upon motion to the court when the party is unable to continue litigating (as because of death, incompetency, transfer of interest, or loss of the office for which the party was suing or being sued in an official capacity)
c
: the replacement of a new agreement or obligation for an old one see also novation
substitutional adjective
substitutionary adjective
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!