Meaning & use

substitute

noun·Everyday

A person or thing that takes the place of another, especially when the original is unavailable.

See it in a sentence

The coach sent in a substitute after the star player twisted his ankle.

We used honey as a substitute for sugar since the pantry was empty.

A note on using this word

As a verb, "substitute" takes "for": you substitute margarine for butter, not the other way around.

Words with a similar meaning

replacementstand-in

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

Another way to use it

2. verb

To use or put someone or something in place of another.

She substituted almond milk for cow's milk in the recipe.

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “substitute”, then compare your use with the examples above.

Your draft stays on this page and is not sent anywhere.