sub·sti·tute
ˈsəb-stə-ˌtüt 
-ˌtyüt
: a person or thing that takes the place or function of another
substitute
adjective
substituted; substituting
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
: to serve as a substitute
Synonyms
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
Lauren Liebhaber, Kansas City Star, 5 Apr. 2024
Not only is such exposition a poor substitute for more specific references that could inject more personality, it’s supplemented by actual film clips wedged into the episodes via cuts that come off both abrupt and distracting.
—Alison Herman, Variety, 5 Apr. 2024
This could see Mika Faye make the matchday squad, even if Araujo does too yet is an unused substitute.
—Tom Sanderson, Forbes, 29 Mar. 2024
These circumventions of the border chokepoints are no substitute for an increase in deliveries by routes that already exist, experts say.
—Manuel Canales, Washington Post, 28 Mar. 2024
But instead of looking for an exact substitute, a more fruitful mission is to embrace the uniqueness of tofu and find a flavor that works for you.
—Clare Mulroy, USA TODAY, 23 Mar. 2024
Crumble it up Soft and medium block tofu is easily crumbled, which can make for a great substitute for ground beef recipes.
—Clare Mulroy, USA TODAY, 23 Mar. 2024
Prunes can be enjoyed as a snack or in trail mix, added to cereal or oatmeal, used in baked goods as a butter substitute, and in stews or sauces.
—Sheah Rarback, Miami Herald, 22 Mar. 2024
Aid groups have criticized airdrops and deliveries by sea as ineffective substitutes for deliveries by road.
—Miriam Berger, Washington Post, 22 Mar. 2024
Eileen Finan, Peoplemag, 31 Mar. 2024
Can substitute with with pastry flour for a softer texture.
—Southern Living Test Kitchen, Southern Living, 30 Mar. 2024
The studios pledged not to substitute AI for writers and actors, but industry experts believe the pace of AI advancements will make the technology a major sticking point when the latest union contracts expire in 2026.
—Kylie Robison, Fortune, 28 Mar. 2024
Both Kayak and aviation experts cautioned that airlines often substitute planes at the last minute, so customers who book non-Boeing aircraft may end up getting a Boeing anyway.
—Elizabeth Chuck, NBC News, 23 Mar. 2024
Rodman ran out of gas in the 86th minute and had to be substituted out before the Spirit scored the game-winner.
—Jason Mastrodonato, The Mercury News, 24 Mar. 2024
This aromatic plant can substitute for allspice and is a host plant of the spicebush swallowtail butterfly.
—Daryln Brewer Hoffstot Kristian Thacker, New York Times, 23 Mar. 2024
No Labels hasn't decided on its candidates yet, and many states do not allow parties or tickets to substitute presidential or vice presidential candidates later on.
—Geoffrey Skelley, ABC News, 21 Mar. 2024
Noun
Bardfield was a long-term substitute sixth grade teacher in the Decatur Public Schools District.
—Lauren Liebhaber, Kansas City Star, 5 Apr. 2024
Not only is such exposition a poor substitute for more specific references that could inject more personality, it’s supplemented by actual film clips wedged into the episodes via cuts that come off both abrupt and distracting.
—Alison Herman, Variety, 5 Apr. 2024
This could see Mika Faye make the matchday squad, even if Araujo does too yet is an unused substitute.
—Tom Sanderson, Forbes, 29 Mar. 2024
These circumventions of the border chokepoints are no substitute for an increase in deliveries by routes that already exist, experts say.
—Manuel Canales, Washington Post, 28 Mar. 2024
But instead of looking for an exact substitute, a more fruitful mission is to embrace the uniqueness of tofu and find a flavor that works for you.
—Clare Mulroy, USA TODAY, 23 Mar. 2024
Crumble it up Soft and medium block tofu is easily crumbled, which can make for a great substitute for ground beef recipes.
—Clare Mulroy, USA TODAY, 23 Mar. 2024
Prunes can be enjoyed as a snack or in trail mix, added to cereal or oatmeal, used in baked goods as a butter substitute, and in stews or sauces.
—Sheah Rarback, Miami Herald, 22 Mar. 2024
Aid groups have criticized airdrops and deliveries by sea as ineffective substitutes for deliveries by road.
—Miriam Berger, Washington Post, 22 Mar. 2024
Verb
Emojis don’t substitute for real smiles or laughter.
—Eileen Finan, Peoplemag, 31 Mar. 2024
Can substitute with with pastry flour for a softer texture.
—Southern Living Test Kitchen, Southern Living, 30 Mar. 2024
The studios pledged not to substitute AI for writers and actors, but industry experts believe the pace of AI advancements will make the technology a major sticking point when the latest union contracts expire in 2026.
—Kylie Robison, Fortune, 28 Mar. 2024
Both Kayak and aviation experts cautioned that airlines often substitute planes at the last minute, so customers who book non-Boeing aircraft may end up getting a Boeing anyway.
—Elizabeth Chuck, NBC News, 23 Mar. 2024
Rodman ran out of gas in the 86th minute and had to be substituted out before the Spirit scored the game-winner.
—Jason Mastrodonato, The Mercury News, 24 Mar. 2024
This aromatic plant can substitute for allspice and is a host plant of the spicebush swallowtail butterfly.
—Daryln Brewer Hoffstot Kristian Thacker, New York Times, 23 Mar. 2024
No Labels hasn't decided on its candidates yet, and many states do not allow parties or tickets to substitute presidential or vice presidential candidates later on.
—Geoffrey Skelley, ABC News, 21 Mar. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'substitute.' 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
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
Time Traveler
The first known use of substitute was
in the 14th century
Phrases Containing substitute
Dictionary Entries Near substitute
Cite this Entry
“Substitute.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/substitute. Accessed 16 Apr. 2024.
Copy Citation
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
noun
ˌsəb-stə-ˈt(y)ü-shən
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
More from Merriam-Webster on substitute
Nglish: Translation of substitute for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of substitute for Arabic Speakers
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