C1noun 1K

Substitute

🇬🇧 UK /["/ˈsʌbstɪtjuːt/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/ˈsʌbstɪtuːt/"]/

Meaning of Substitute

a person or thing that you use or have instead of the one you normally use or have

In simple words: to use one thing instead of another

Substitute in a sentence

• a meat substitute
• a substitute family
• Paul's father only saw him as a substitute for his dead brother.
• The course teaches you the theory but **there's no substitute for** practical experience.
• The local bus service was a **poor substitute for** their car.
• His teacher acted as a father substitute.
• The company produces substitutes for lead in petrol.
• The television is a poor substitute for human companionship.
• There's no substitute for hard work.
• He was brought on as (a) substitute after half-time.

How to use Substitute

Use 'substitute' when you replace something with something else, especially in cooking or sports. It can be formal or informal, depending on context.

Grammar pattern

substitute + object

Memory hint

Think of 'substituting' a missing ingredient in cooking.

Related words

Collocations with Substitute

• good
• acceptable
• adequate
• act as
• serve as
• use something as
• teacher
• substitute for

Synonyms for Substitute

• replace
• swap
• exchange
• alternate
• stand-in

Opposites of Substitute

• retain
• keep

Common mistakes with Substitute

• Confused with 'succeed' vs 'substitute'
• Using it without an object, e.g., 'I substitute'
• Mixing it up with 'exchange' when meaning is different

Frequently asked questions about Substitute

What does Substitute mean?

to use one thing instead of another

What is the definition of Substitute?

a person or thing that you use or have instead of the one you normally use or have

How do you use Substitute in a sentence?

a meat substitute

Can you give another example of Substitute?

a substitute family

What are synonyms for Substitute?

Common alternatives include replace, swap, exchange, alternate, stand-in.

What is the opposite of Substitute?

Opposite meanings include retain, keep.

What words go with Substitute?

It commonly pairs with good, acceptable, adequate, act as, serve as, use something as, teacher, substitute for.

What are common mistakes when using Substitute?

Confused with 'succeed' vs 'substitute' Using it without an object, e.g., 'I substitute' Mixing it up with 'exchange' when meaning is different

How do you pronounce Substitute?

US: /["/ˈsʌbstɪtuːt/"]/, UK: /["/ˈsʌbstɪtjuːt/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Substitute?

Use 'substitute' when you replace something with something else, especially in cooking or sports. It can be formal or informal, depending on context.

What CEFR level is Substitute?

"Substitute" is at C1 level on the CEFR scale.