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
Cauliflower Over the past few years, cauliflower has become a popular ingredient in various dishes, often being used as a substitute for pizza crust, rice, and mashed potatoes. Lindsey Desoto, Health, 11 Feb. 2025 The researchers believe these findings could one day lead to the development of biological tooth substitutes that could be used in place of imperfect synthetic dental implants currently used. Mack Degeurin, Popular Science, 7 Feb. 2025
Verb
Chances are, the manufacturer is substituting in a non-nutritive sweetener like sucralose or stevia to supply the sweetness that sugar would typically provide, Dr. Vadiveloo points out, all of which turn the final product into something ultraprocessed. Erica Sloan, SELF, 11 Feb. 2025 Robinson says that substituting bottled lime juice for freshly squeezed truly makes a difference. Patrice J. Williams, Essence, 10 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for substitute
Recent Examples of Synonyms for substitute
Noun
  • However, according to Amazon shoppers, the pants are so much more than your favorite pair of workout leggings—they’re a replacement for trousers.
    Jessie Quinn, StyleCaster, 15 Feb. 2025
  • The city recently began a search for her replacement.
    Zachery Eanes, Axios, 14 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Drug overdose deaths, largely caused by the synthetic opioid drug fentanyl, reached record highs in the United States in 2021.
    Moises Velasquez-Manoff Robert Petkoff Emma Kehlbeck Zak Mouton, New York Times, 16 Feb. 2025
  • Drug traffickers mix fentanyl, a synthetic narcotic that is 10 times more powerful than other opioids, with other illicit drugs in an effort to drive addiction and attract repeat buyers, according to the Drug Enforcement Administration.
    Mary Divine, Twin Cities, 16 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • This was largely because of weak overall economic activity in China and the ensuing bearish sentiments, said Theodore Shou, chief investment officer at Skybound Capital, an alternative assets manager.
    Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 19 Feb. 2025
  • While the down pillow is currently out of stock, the brand’s down alternative pillow mirrors the same feel and is a great option for those prone to allergies.
    Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 19 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • In the summer of 1985, Larry and Valerie exchanged glances across The Parker House bar, but then Larry worked up the courage to walk over and strike up a conversation.
    Lizzie Hyman, People.com, 14 Feb. 2025
  • In honor of the tradition of lovers exchanging chocolate on Valentine’s Day, here’s a look at the sweet treat’s history.
    Kendra Nordin Beato, The Christian Science Monitor, 13 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • When he’s eventually given the title of Duke of Buckingham, his influence—and that of his mother—knows no bounds, spelling disaster for the country, the monarch, and, eventually, George and Mary themselves.
    Radhika Seth, Vogue, 9 Feb. 2025
  • In fact, fire is essential to the germination of its seeds so that if their viability expires and then a fire comes along and incinerates mature plants of this species, that could spell this species’ extinction in the area where the fire occurred.
    Joshua Siskin, Orange County Register, 8 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • At least 21 since have been recalled, replaced or voted out.
    Sharyl Attkisson, Baltimore Sun, 14 Feb. 2025
  • Even though Rosemary Farm's California farm won't be able to fully replace its poultry stock until summer and won't be back to egg production until fall, the farm is still thinking about others, within the industry and outside it, Sanpei said.
    Phaedra Trethan, USA TODAY, 14 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Bertrand wore an oversize faux fur coat and a green gradient suit jacket from KidSuper.
    Mikelle Street, WWD, 14 Feb. 2025
  • The Koolaburra Ugg Milos resemble other Ugg slippers on our list with the soft suede upper and faux fur lining.
    Chaunie Brusie, RN, Parents, 13 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • The dismissals come less than three weeks after a midair collision between an American Airlines regional jet and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter killed 67 people and brought new scrutiny to air traffic controllers and their workloads.
    Joey Garrison, USA TODAY, 18 Feb. 2025
  • The video discussion started with benchmarks, details about xAI's new data center and the desire to create a chatbot that didn't need to be politically correct.
    Ina Fried, Axios, 18 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Substitute.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/substitute. Accessed 27 Feb. 2025.

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