substitution

noun

sub·​sti·​tu·​tion ˌsəb-stə-ˈtü-shən 

-ˈtyü-

1

a

: the act, process, or result of substituting one thing for another

b

: replacement of one mathematical entity by another of equal value

2

: one that is substituted for another

substitutional

ˌsəb-stə-ˈtü-sh(ə-)nəl 

-ˈtyü-

adjective

substitutionally adverb

substitutionary

ˌsəb-stə-ˈtü-shə-ˌner-ē 

-ˈtyü-

adjective

Examples of substitution in a Sentence

The coach made three substitutions in the second half of the game.

I'd prefer rice with my steak instead of potatoes, but the menu says “no substitutions.”

Substitution of applesauce for oil is one way of reducing the fat in recipes.

The cookbook has a long list of substitutions for ingredients that may be hard to find.

Recent Examples on the Web

No transfer, assignment, or substitution of a prize is permitted, except Sponsor reserves the right to substitute prize (or prize component) for an item of equal or greater value at Sponsor’s sole discretion. —Time For Kids, TIME, 21 Feb. 2025

Swap or substitution powers could be more important. —Martin Shenkman, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2025

While there are all sorts of other swaps touted online, from coconut sugar to maple syrup, this is often the closest and least complicated substitution to make. —Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 9 Feb. 2025

Trying to make sense of this loss, early confessions of the church declared that Jesus was a substitution for our sins, to satisfy God’s demands of righteousness, to pay the price for our sins. —Lynne Silva-Breen, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English substitucion, from Middle French, from Late Latin substitution-, substitutio, from substituere

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing substitution

• substitution cipher

Rhymes for substitution

• absolution
• allocution
• attribution
• comminution
• constitution
• contribution
• convolution
• destitution
• devolution
• diminution
• dissolution
• distribution

Medical Definition

substitution

noun

sub·​sti·​tu·​tion ˌsəb-stə-ˈt(y)ü-shən 

1

: a chemical reaction in which one or more atoms or groups in a molecule are replaced by equivalent atoms or groups to form at least two products

especially : the replacement of hydrogen in an organic compound by another element or group

2

a

: the turning from an obstructed desire to another desire whose gratification is socially acceptable

b

: the turning from an obstructed form of behavior to a different and often more primitive expression of the same tendency

a substitution neurosis

c

: the reacting to each of a set of stimuli by a response prescribed in a key

a substitution test for speed of learning new responses

Legal Definition

substitution

noun

sub·​sti·​tu·​tion ˌsəb-stə-ˈtü-shən, -ˈtyü- 

: the substituting of one person or thing for another: as

a

in the civil law of Louisiana : a disposition not in trust by which a donee, heir, or legatee is charged to hold property transferred and return it to a third person compare fidei commissum, vulgar substitution

Note: Substitutions are prohibited.

b

: replacement of a party to an action with a successor or representative upon motion to the court when the party is unable to continue litigating (as because of death, incompetency, transfer of interest, or loss of the office for which the party was suing or being sued in an official capacity)

c

: the replacement of a new agreement or obligation for an old one see also novation

substitutional

-shə-nəl 

adjective

substitutionary

-shə-ˌner-ē 

adjective