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
But this being New York election law, there is probably a way around it by having the initial LG pick drop out and be replaced with a substitute. New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 16 June 2025 That style is now the coin of the realm on the left: the guilt trip and temper tantrum as substitutes for arguments. The Editors, National Review, 11 June 2025
Verb
Sourcing Journal reserves the right to substitute prizes of equal or greater value. Sourcing Journal, 12 June 2025 Other firm-fleshed fish, such as swordfish, tuna and salmon, can be substituted for the halibut. Lynda Balslev, Mercury News, 10 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for substitute
Recent Examples of Synonyms for substitute
Noun
  • To be at replacement levels, the birth rate would have to be a bit higher at 2.1.
    Alix Martichoux, The Hill, 15 June 2025
  • The estate provides vine cuttings to a nursery in the Savoie, which creates massal (rather than clonal) replacement vines for them.
    Tom Mullen, Forbes.com, 15 June 2025
Adjective
  • Shifting lights, soft colors, and synthetic materials make the space feel strange but calming.
    Nel-Olivia Waga, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025
  • In Canada and in Europe — where synthetic colors are required to carry warning labels — manufacturers mostly use natural substitutes.
    Michelle Chapman, Chicago Tribune, 17 June 2025
Adjective
  • Some have managed to exit via land crossings into Jordan and Egypt, while others are seeking alternative routes by sea or through neighboring airports.
    Amanda Castro Shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 June 2025
  • To reduce risk, the firm emphasizes diversification across asset classes such as stocks, bonds, real estate, and alternative investments.
    Georgette Virgo, USA Today, 19 June 2025
Verb
  • After a dance and a kiss and freighted promises are exchanged, Lucy receives a call from Sophie that Mark is now stalking her outside her apartment.
    Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 13 June 2025
  • Energy supplies did not end up in the cross hairs last year when Israel and Iran exchanged missile barrages, according to Citi.
    Spencer Kimball, CNBC, 13 June 2025
Verb
  • Florida’s upcoming $15 minimum wage could, paradoxically, spell more problems The horizon isn’t exactly rosy for many Florida workers.
    Max Klaver, Miami Herald, 11 June 2025
  • But starting July 1, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare is set to take over all child care licensing in the state, which will spell an end to most of those initiatives.
    Sarah Cutler, Idaho Statesman, 10 June 2025
Verb
  • Solid Combustion Experiment Module — Onishi also replaced the sample cartridges for an ongoing fire experiment in Japan's Kibo laboratory, which is aimed at improving the safety of spacecraft and anywhere else astronauts may live when off Earth.
    Robert Z. Pearlman, Space.com, 14 June 2025
  • Even in this rather dark conclusion, the animator’s comic sensibilities shine through, in the old school ‘X’s replacing the mouse’s eyes in death.
    Kambole Campbell, Variety, 13 June 2025
Adjective
  • Over time, it’s led me to get creative — color me an unofficial professional at finding (faux) diamonds in the rough (a.k.a. luxurious-looking, affordable gems).
    Alyssa Grabinski, People.com, 14 June 2025
  • The tufted back and seat cushions add a touch of elegance, while the faux leather upholstery ensures durability and easy maintenance.
    Jené Luciani Sena may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom., FOXNews.com, 14 June 2025
Adjective
  • Over at Brooks’s, Shai comes over and teaches him how to use his new sewing machine, which is a fascinating dynamic because Shai is an agent’s assistant while Brooks is a clothing designer.
    Tom Smyth, Vulture, 18 June 2025
  • The live show should tide your kids over until then—and there are also new videos released on YouTube every week.
    Elisabeth Sherman, Parents, 17 June 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Substitute.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/substitute. Accessed 25 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on substitute

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!