substitution
noun
sub·sti·tu·tion
ˌsəb-stə-ˈtü-shən 
-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
substitutionally
adverb
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
Word substitution, called in parabula (in parable) or the Cicero method, was the type of code used by Gritti.
—
Matthew Wills, JSTOR Daily, 7 Oct. 2024
Marcelo Gallardo made positive substitutions and waves of River Plate attacks increased still, but the end product yet again was lacking.
—Joseph O'Sullivan, Forbes, 30 Oct. 2024
Here are some ideas for variations or substitutions: Fat facts: In step 1, olive oil or butter can be substituted with any cooking fat of choice, including bacon fat or ghee.
—Julia Levy, Southern Living, 8 Oct. 2024
The Warriors did a platoon substitution, putting Brandin Podziemski, Kyle Anderson, Buddy Hield, Gary Payton II and Kevon Looney on the floor after the starters.
—Danny Emerman, The Mercury News, 5 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for substitution 
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Matthew Wills, JSTOR Daily, 7 Oct. 2024
Marcelo Gallardo made positive substitutions and waves of River Plate attacks increased still, but the end product yet again was lacking.
—Joseph O'Sullivan, Forbes, 30 Oct. 2024
Here are some ideas for variations or substitutions: Fat facts: In step 1, olive oil or butter can be substituted with any cooking fat of choice, including bacon fat or ghee.
—Julia Levy, Southern Living, 8 Oct. 2024
The Warriors did a platoon substitution, putting Brandin Podziemski, Kyle Anderson, Buddy Hield, Gary Payton II and Kevon Looney on the floor after the starters.
—Danny Emerman, The Mercury News, 5 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for substitution
Dictionary Entries Near substitution
Cite this Entry
“Substitution.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/substitution. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
substitution
noun
sub·sti·tu·tion
ˌsəb-stə-ˈt(y)ü-shən
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-
: 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
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