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

Examples 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
Ground beef is a common substitute as lamb can be hard to find and a bit sharper and more gamey than beef. Elizabeth Nelson, Southern Living, 31 Oct. 2024 Try using puréed pumpkin in pies as a substitute for oil and eggs in baked goods or stirred into oatmeal to boost flavor and nutrients. Lindsey Desoto, Rd, Health, 29 Oct. 2024
Verb
Our recipe calls for blueberry preserves, but feel free to substitute cherry or strawberry. Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 27 Oct. 2024 Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo, a Trump supporter, has nevertheless distanced himself from the six fake electors who face felony charges after trying to substitute themselves for the state’s lawful Biden electors four years ago. Barton Gellman, TIME, 24 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for substitute 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for substitute
Noun
  • If Chickie can lure Dwight back into the fold, his replacement Vince and the others say, Chickie himself will be welcomed back too.
    Sean T. Collins, Vulture, 10 Nov. 2024
  • These replacement practices often involve hobbies or activities that result in play.
    Discover Magazine, Discover Magazine, 7 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • With its unique capacity for manipulation of weaknesses in human psychology, an AI could also hijack a rival nation’s media, producing a deluge of synthetic disinformation so alarming as to inspire mass opposition against further progress in that country’s AI capacities.
    Henry A. Kissinger, Foreign Affairs, 18 Nov. 2024
  • The shell material effectively blocked wind on multiple testing outings, while its light, synthetic insulation kept our hands warm.
    Lisa Jhung, Outside Online, 15 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Even with one of the biggest portfolios in the space—which also includes the NBA’s New Orleans Pelicans and Phoenix Suns as well as the WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury, plus alternative language broadcasts for the Los Angeles Clippers—Forbes estimates Kiswe’s revenue to be less than $10 million.
    Matt Craig, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
  • The alternative rockers will headline the Big Gig's BMO Pavilion stage on June 27, fest officials revealed Monday — a show that's likely to include new songs from the group's forthcoming album.
    Piet Levy, Journal Sentinel, 21 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • The independent investigators also reported that Welby and Smyth crossed paths at Christian holiday camps run by a British trust from 1975 to 1979 and exchanged Christmas cards for several years.
    Hannah Peart, NBC News, 12 Nov. 2024
  • The company’s at-home kits allow customers to exchange a saliva sample for insights into their genome relating to things such as their possible ancestry, health, and food preferences.
    Bruce Gil, Quartz, 12 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • Netanyahu has struggled to maintain a hold over his fragile, right-wing governing coalition and its muddle of competing interests, whose collapse could spell the end of his leadership.
    Tara John, CNN, 5 Nov. 2024
  • That spells an opportunity for Saudi Arabia and other Gulf States.
    Ken Silverstein, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • The Seahawks’ linebacker corps has undergone a radical, in-season makeover, with last month’s trade for Ernest Brown IV and Tuesday’s release of leading tackler Tyrel Dodson, who’ll be replaced by rookie Tyrice Knight.
    Cam Inman, The Mercury News, 16 Nov. 2024
  • The hope is to replace park light posts and hardscape features by 2027.
    Frederick Melo, Twin Cities, 14 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Brands from Old Navy to Gucci have introduced burgundy into their fall collections, showing faux suede outerwear, lush sweaters and trendy footwear.
    Jane Hanson, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024
  • Add a faux fur skirt or garland around the tree for an elevated approach to the decade.
    Isabella Milano, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • American innovation today, such as the Pentagon’s Replicator program to rapidly field new high-tech weapons, is equally impressive—and equally insufficient.
    Michael Green, Foreign Affairs, 19 Nov. 2024
  • The triumphs and troubles of the new era all seem to stem from the fact that after years of clawing away at a new path, Shinoda feels like he’s found his counterpart again.
    Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 19 Nov. 2024

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Cite this Entry

“Substitute.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/substitute. Accessed 25 Nov. 2024.

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