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
Fred Sassani, Austin American-Statesman, 22 Nov. 2024
The information provided here is not legal advice and does not purport to be a substitute for advice of counsel on any specific matter.
—Sam Silverman, Forbes, 6 Nov. 2024
Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 1 Nov. 2024
Pro tip: Any time a recipe calls for pumpkin, don’t be afraid to substitute winter squash, Bay explained.
—Sarah Kuta, The Denver Post, 9 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for substitute 
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Noun
This natural sugar retains its molasses content and can be used as a substitute for white sugar in baking.
—Fred Sassani, Austin American-Statesman, 22 Nov. 2024
The information provided here is not legal advice and does not purport to be a substitute for advice of counsel on any specific matter.
—Sam Silverman, Forbes, 6 Nov. 2024
Verb
Some people saved their ration, making a small cake once every couple of weeks; others tried various expedients, from substituting carrots and parsnips to just going cold turkey.
—Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 1 Nov. 2024
Pro tip: Any time a recipe calls for pumpkin, don’t be afraid to substitute winter squash, Bay explained.
—Sarah Kuta, The Denver Post, 9 Oct. 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 1 Dec. 2024.
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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