Search Dictionary
Definition of substitution

substitution

/ˌsʌbstɪˈtuːʃən/
sub · sti · tu · tion
Plural:substitutions
•
Adjective:substitutional
JUMP TO:

substitution Lexical Profile

substitution Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The action of replacing someone or something with another person or thing, or the item or person so replaced.

Example

"The chef allowed a simple substitution of steamed vegetables for the french fries."

2

In team sports, the replacement of one player on the field or court with another from the bench during a match.

Example

"The coach made a tactical substitution in the second half to strengthen the defense."

3

In mathematics and logic, the replacement of a variable or expression with another of equal value; in chemistry, a reaction in which one atom or functional group in a molecule is replaced by another.

Example

"You can solve the system of linear equations quickly using the method of substitution."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for substitution
Antonyms
View all antonyms for substitution

• Rhymes for substitution

• Nearby Words

substation
substitutable
substitute
substitution
substructure
subsurface
subsystem

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed from Old French 'substitucion' or directly from Late Latin 'substitutionem', a noun of action from Latin 'substituere' meaning 'to put in place of another', formed from 'sub-' (under) and 'statuere' (to set up).

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Substitution. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/substitution
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.