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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

Another Ford penalty stretched the advantage to 19 points but half-time substitute Chandler Cunningham-South made a big impact for Quins in an improved second-half display and he got them on the scoreboard after 48 minutes.

From BBC • Apr. 4, 2026

I have nothing against “prequels” in themselves—they date back to Virgil’s “Aeneid”—but they are no substitute for the original books.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

“I don’t just want to be okay. I don’t want to be a substitute teacher or a cashier. I didn’t work that hard in school and college to just be okay.”

From "Proud" by Ibtihaj Muhammad