Substitute

Quick meaning: Substitute is a verb meaning (transitive) To use in place of something else, with the same function.

Meaning

(transitive) To use in place of something else, with the same function.

More Meanings

1. (transitive, in the phrase "substitute X for Y") To use X in place of Y.
2. (transitive, sports) To remove (a player) from the field of play and bring on another in his place.
3. (intransitive) To serve as a replacement (for someone or something).
4. A replacement or stand-in for something that achieves a similar result or purpose.
5. A substitute teacher.
6. (sports) A player who is available to replace another if the need arises, and who may or may not actually do so.
7. (transitive, formerly proscribed, often in the phrase "substitute X with/by Y", sometimes "substitute X for Y") To use Y in place of X; to replace X with Y.

Example Sentences

I had no shallots so I substituted onion.

I had to substitute new parts for the old ones.

I had to substitute old parts with the new ones.

He was playing poorly and was substituted after twenty minutes

Word Forms

• substitutes
• substituting
• substituted

Synonyms for substitute

Depending on context, synonyms include exchange, swap, fill-in, ghost, proxy, replacement.

Antonyms for substitute

Common opposites include substituend, substituendum.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include replacement, fill-in, step in, replace, utility, deputize.

Related Dictionary Tools