understudy 1 of 2

noun

Definition of understudynext
1
as in replacement

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2
as in double

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Dissimilar Words

understudy

2 of 2

verb

as in to substitute

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of understudy
Noun
Fox arrived on the production at the eleventh hour after the production’s original Romeo, Richard Madden, and then his understudy were indisposed. — Baz Bamigboye, Deadline, 4 Sep. 2026 Overture 41, by Annick Menardo at 41 percent and aged the same, returns to Overture Woman, the 2020 Harrods exclusive about an understudy pushed onstage in place of an ailing diva. — Ritu Upadhyay, Footwear News, 2 Sep. 2026
Verb
O’Hara began her comedy career as a member of the legendary Second City in her native Toronto, understudying for eventual Saturday Night Live star Gilda Radner and helping to form the offshoot Second City Television (SCTV). — Emma Specter, Vogue, 30 Jan. 2026 In fact, metacognition is fundamental to human intelligence and, until recently, has been understudied in artificial intelligence systems. — Ricky J. Sethi, The Conversation, 26 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for understudy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for understudy
  1. replacement
  2. double
  3. substitute
  4. stand-in
  5. comedian
  6. stand in
  7. alternate
  8. scene-stealer
Noun
  • Mixing wand finish is oxidizing for mixing lacks replacement with stainless steel material.
    — NWA Democrat-Gazette, Arkansas Online, 19 Oct. 2026
  • Ty Dieffenbach isn’t going anywhere Heading into his first start at the Power Four level, there was still talk from coach Bob Chesney that there was a battle for Iamaleava’s replacement between Dieffenbach and Madden Iamaleava.
    — Connor Dullinger, Los Angeles Times, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of replacement
Noun
  • Tampa jumped to an early lead after a double by Richie Palacios drove in two runs in the second inning.
    — Andrew Greif, NBC news, 20 Oct. 2026
  • Reese nabbed a double double as well, with 30 points and 16 points.
    — Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of double
Verb
  • Instead, Brammall and Dyer came close to substituting Colin with an elderly lady, before reverting to their original premise.
    — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 20 Oct. 2026
  • Both varieties of balsamic are tricky to substitute because their sweetness is as important as their acidity.
    — Emily Saladino, Bon Appetit Magazine, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of substitute
Noun
  • Butternut squash works as a stand-in for canned pumpkin too, since the squash varieties used in most US brands are closer to butternut than to carving pumpkins.
    — Lauren Schuster, Charlotte Observer, 21 Oct. 2026
  • And a data center is an easy stand-in for bigger fears about AI, climate change, jobs and big tech.
    — Adhum Carter Wolde-Lule, Fortune, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of stand-in
Noun
  • Her education included watching the comedian’s interviews with Ariana Grande, Miley Cyrus and others.
    — Lars Brandle, Billboard, 23 Oct. 2026
  • O’Neill is a gifted physical comedian, in any case, and the pratfalls begin right early.
    — Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of comedian
Verb
  • Identity and isolation are the walls; authorization is the lock on the door the agent is standing in front of.
    — Julian Durand, Forbes.com, 20 Oct. 2026
  • And that’s why the CDC includes a 30-second chair stand in its fall-risk assessment.
    — Dana Santas, CNN Money, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of stand in
Noun
  • David Ross is an alternate in the Torrance branch of the public defenders office and also works in Bellflower and Long Beach.
    — Jon Regardie, Los Angeles Times, 21 Oct. 2026
  • Not a bad result for a guy who was originally voted out fourth on his first Survivor season and was an alternate on Survivor 50.
    — Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of alternate
Noun
  • There was enough uncertainty around the Best Actress race that pundits once mused whether The Odyssey’s Anne Hathaway might hath a way to run in lead, clearing a path for scene-stealer Samantha Morton in this category.
    — Nate Jones, Vulture, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Although his role in the film was minor, Tillman’s performance was described as a scene-stealer and noted for being one of the movie’s most memorable supporting roles.
    — Laura Payne, Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of scene-stealer

Browse Nearby Words

understudies
understudy
understudying
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Cite this Entry

“Understudy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/understudy. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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