Interchangeable: meaning, definitions and examples

Use this word when two or more items can be used in place of each other without any significant difference in function or value.

• The parts are interchangeable, so you can use them in any of our machines
• These two terms are essentially interchangeable in everyday conversation

This word is best used when something can be removed and another put in its place, often implying it is not unique or irreplaceable.

• The battery is replaceable, so you can easily buy a new one if it stops working
• Employees should never feel replaceable; every one of them adds unique value

Use this word when you can change or switch between options, often without any long-term consequences.

• The TV's input source is switchable between HDMI and AV
• These two modes on the camera are switchable depending on the setting you're in

This word is suitable when something can serve as a substitute or alternative for something else, without a significant loss of quality or function.

• In this recipe, olive oil is substitutable for butter
• These ingredients are substitutable and won't change the flavor much

Used when two or more items can be swapped without any difference or effect on the outcome.

• The parts in this machine are fully interchangeable.
• These batteries are interchangeable with most other brands.

Used when an item can be replaced by another without a significant difference in function or value.

• The ingredients in this recipe are highly substitutable.
• Many of the tasks performed by humans are not easily substitutable by machines.

Used when two things are equal in value, amount, function, meaning, or effect.

• His silence was equivalent to an admission of guilt.
• The two statements are essentially equivalent.

Used in technical or scientific contexts when two forms can be converted or changed into each other.

• The Celsius and Fahrenheit temperature scales are interconvertible.
• These energy forms are interconvertible under specific conditions.