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
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
John Tamny, Forbes, 31 Dec. 2024
Fulham took advantage of Brentford dropping off and substitute Harry Wilson scored two freak goals to complete a dramatic comeback.
—Jay Harris, The Athletic, 29 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for substitute 
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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
Rising capital requirements to ensure bank safety are damning evidence of regulators substituting their limited knowledge for that of the marketplace.
—John Tamny, Forbes, 31 Dec. 2024
Fulham took advantage of Brentford dropping off and substitute Harry Wilson scored two freak goals to complete a dramatic comeback.
—Jay Harris, The Athletic, 29 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for substitute
Dictionary Entries Near substitute
Cite this Entry
“Substitute.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/substitute. Accessed 18 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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