understudy

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.

Soon Lindo was cast as an understudy to Danny Glover in “’Master Harold’…and the Boys,” a play set in apartheid-riven South Africa.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 3, 2026

He snatched provisional top spot in beautiful, sunny conditions, but could only watch with bated breath as his understudy took to the start hut.

From Barron's • Feb. 7, 2026

Buckley later turned down an offer to be the understudy to Prenger's Nancy, instead going on to pursue her own role on the London stage.

From BBC • Jan. 12, 2026

Buckley also revealed that, after appearing on the talent series, she turned down an offer to be the understudy for winner Jodie Prenger.

From BBC • Jan. 7, 2026

Things get complicated when a pronoun, like any good understudy, takes on different guises, depending on the roles it plays in the sentence.

From "Woe Is I" by Patricia T. O'Conner