substitute🔊

To use in place of something else, with the same function.

(in the phrase "substitute X for Y") To use X in place of Y.

(in the phrase "substitute X with/by Y", sometimes "substitute X for Y") To use Y in place of X; to replace X with Y.

(sports) To remove (a player) from the field of play and bring on another in his place.

To serve as a replacement (for someone or something).

A replacement or stand-in for something that achieves a similar result or purpose. +

A substitute teacher.

(sports) A player who is available to replace another if the need arises, and who may or may not actually do so. +

(historical) One who enlists for military service in the place of a conscript.

(economics) (substitute good).