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Definitions

substitute

[suhb-sti-toot, -tyoot] / ˈsʌb stɪˌtut, -ˌtyut /
ADJECTIVE
alternative
Synonyms
STRONG
acting alternate backup counterfeit dummy ersatz imitation makeshift mock near proxy pseudo replacement representative reserve second sham simulated stopgap surrogate temporary
WEAK
additional another artificial experimental false other provisional spurious substitutive supplemental supplementary supposititious symbolic tentative vicarial vicarious
Antonyms
STRONG
finished genuine permanent real true
NOUN
someone or something that takes the place of another
Synonyms
STRONGEST
backup replacement stand-in surrogate
STRONG
agent alternate assistant auxiliary changeling delegate deputy double dummy equivalent expediency expedient fill in ghost locum makeshift procurator proxy recourse refuge relay relief representative reserve resort resource standby stopgap sub succedaneum successor supplanter supply symbol temp temporary understudy vicar
WEAK
dernier ressort ghost writer locum tenens pinch-hitter temporary expedient
Antonyms
STRONG
being entity permanent
VERB
interchange, exchange
Synonyms
STRONGEST
replace supplant swap
STRONG
alternate change commute deputize displace proxy relieve spell sub supersede switch
WEAK
act for answer for back up be in place of cover for do the work of double for fill in for fill one's position go as serve in one's stead stand for stand in (for) swap places with take another's place take over
Antonyms
STRONG
continue keep

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The secretary downplayed last year’s measles outbreak in West Texas and promoted vitamin A, which is not a substitute for vaccination or a viable treatment.

From Salon • Apr. 22, 2026

Winger Adama Traore, 30, has been used exclusively as a second-half substitute since joining on a short-term deal from Fulham in January, but the club do have an option to extend.

From BBC • Apr. 21, 2026

That said, being debt-free is not a substitute for retirement planning.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 16, 2026

Could they ever, in some future utopia, substitute for war, economic competition and the other conflicts that bedevil human life?

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 15, 2026

One day in the fall of 2015, two ninth-grade students sat in Biology class at Oakland High School watching a substitute teacher try in vain to control the classroom.

From "The 57 Bus" by Dashka Slater

Vocabulary lists containing substitute

Jim Burke's Academic Vocabulary List

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Vocabulary of the Summer Olympics

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Words to Know Before You Defrost the Bird

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!