interchangeable
Americanadjective
-
(of two things) capable of being put or used in the place of each other.
interchangeable symbols.
-
(of one thing) capable of replacing or changing places with something else.
an interchangeable part.
Synonym Usage
See exchangeable.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of interchangeable
First recorded in 1400–50; interchange + -able; replacing late Middle English entrechaungeable, from Middle French entrechangeable
Explanation
Things that are interchangeable can replace each other easily. Interchangeable objects or people can be substituted, and no one would know the difference. Some things cannot be switched: if you replace spoons with forks, people are going to have trouble eating soup. Other things are interchangeable: if you switch them, nothing will be lost. Gadgets that are interchangeable can be substituted easily: they're exchangeable or standardized. If two workers are interchangeable, they could do each other's jobs. Two interchangeable words mean almost the exact same thing and could be used in the same way. Interchangeable things are versatile, useful — and, most importantly — "switchable."
Vocabulary lists containing interchangeable
Chew On This
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Milkweed
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Chapter 11: Growth and Expansion
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Interchangeable counterbalance grips from SwitchGrips Jack Nicklaus did it.
From Golf Digest • Jan. 25, 2020
Interchangeable parts and early machine production paved the way for more extensive mass production later in the century.
From Textbooks • Jan. 18, 2018
Interchangeable with Matchbox 20, but technically not Matchbox 20.
From Salon • Aug. 18, 2015
Interchangeable parts almost, despite Philip Seymour Hoffman’s off-the-mark portrayal of the thoroughly decent Howe as a self-centered malcontent in the “Moneyball” movie.
From New York Times • Nov. 20, 2011
Mortal mixed of middle clay, Attempered to the night and day, Interchangeable with things, Needs no amulets nor rings.
From Poems Household Edition by Emerson, Ralph Waldo
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
