as a substitute

ADVERB

instead

Synonyms

STRONG

rather

WEAK

alternately alternative in lieu in place of in preference on behalf of on second thought preferably rather than

CONJUNCTION

Synonyms

WEAK

as a choice as an alternative conversely either in other words in preference to in turn on the other hand or but or else or only preferentially

Antonyms

WEAK

neither nor without choice

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.

Mexican-American Brian Gutiérrez entered the game as a substitute and, at times, injected energy into the home team.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 6, 2026

Lionel Messi, who turns 39 later this month, goes into the tournament having played 51 games, with only three as a substitute.

From BBC • Jun. 11, 2026

Huawei is pitching stacking as a substitute for conventional chip advances rather than a complement to them because the key technology that would make it a complement is the one thing it can’t get.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 2, 2026

They purchased SaaS as a substitute for internal capability, accumulated organizational debt — and now lack the human capital to navigate a transition that is fundamentally about people and process.

From MarketWatch • May 27, 2026

We were served formally, and she apologized for having no orchestra to play for us but said she’d sing as a substitute.

From "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" by Maya Angelou

as a substitute

Example Sentences

Related Words