C1noun1K

Substitute

UK /["/ˈsʌbstɪtjuːt/"]/US /["/ˈsʌbstɪtuːt/"]/

Definition

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

Examples

  • 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.

Usage notes

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.

Collocations

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

Synonyms

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

Antonyms

  • retain
  • keep

Common mistakes

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