substitute

Pluralsubstitutes

Formssubstitutes, substituting, substituted

1. 1
   nouncountable

   Someone or something used in place of another to do the same job.

   Like using a spare key when you lose the main one.

   Honey makes a good substitute for sugar in tea.

   When the babysitter canceled, grandma was the perfect substitute.

   Similarsurrogate

   Note
2. 2
   verbtransitive

   To use something in place of another thing that works the same way.

   Like swapping in a fresh battery when the first one dies.

   You can substitute olive oil for butter in most recipes.

   She substituted skim milk for cream to lighten the sauce.

   Similarswap, switch

   Note
3. 3
   verbintransitive

   To take the place of someone or something for a time.

   I can substitute for you at the front desk tomorrow.

   A younger teacher substituted while she was on leave.

   Similarcover, deputize

   Note
4. 4
   verbtransitive

   To put one thing into use in place of another.

   The recipe lets you substitute honey for sugar.

   He substituted a paper clip for the missing screw.

   Similarswap, switch

   Note
5. 5
   nouncountable

   A teacher who fills in for the regular one when that person is away.

   Like a backup who takes over the class when the usual teacher can't come.

   Our substitute let us watch a movie all period.

   The kids groaned when they saw a substitute at the desk.

6. 6
   nouncountable

   A player who waits, ready to join the game if a teammate needs to come off.

   Like a spare player waiting on the side, ready to jump in.

   The coach sent on a substitute in the second half.

   Two substitutes warmed up along the sideline.

   Similarreserve, replacement

   Oppositestarter

   Note
7. 7
   verbtransitive

   To take a player off the field and send on another in their place.

   The coach substituted the injured striker before halftime.

   They had to substitute the goalkeeper after the red card.

   Similarreplace

   Note
8. 8
   verbtransitive

   To replace one thing by putting another in its place.

   You can substitute the butter with oil if you prefer.

   She substituted the old wording with something clearer.

   Similarreplace, swap, switch

   Note
9. 9
   nounabbreviation

   Short form of substitute good. It means a product people buy instead of a similar one.

   When beef gets pricey, shoppers often pick a cheaper substitute.

   Tea and coffee can act as substitutes for each other.

   Note
10. 10
    nounhistoricalcountable

    A man who joined the army in place of someone who had been called up to fight.

    He paid a poor laborer to serve as his substitute when his name was drawn.

    Wealthy families often hired substitutes to avoid the draft.

    Similarreplacement

    Note

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