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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.

“It’s not a substitute for adding new housing supply.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 8, 2026

Returns on high‑yield corporate bonds, “arguably the closest liquid substitute for private credit,” have held up fairly well, which rules out the possibility of a market-wide panic.

From Barron's • Apr. 7, 2026

"I've never had the opportunity to play at Wembley for club before, so for me it was a big chance," said Calvert-Lewin, who had scored within six minutes of coming on as a substitute.

From BBC • Apr. 5, 2026

An Anthropic spokesman said the AI is designed to help people navigate complex information and isn’t a substitute for professional medical care.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 4, 2026

I still have hopes that they’ll come up with a substitute, made of tin or copper or some such thing, to remind the neighborhood of the clock.

From "The Diary of a Young Girl" by Anne Frank