ersatz

American  

[er-zahts, -sahts, er-zahts, -sahts] / ˈɛr zɑts, -sɑts, ɛrˈzɑts, -ˈsɑts /

adjective

1. serving as a substitute; synthetic; artificial.

   an ersatz coffee made from grain.

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noun

1. an artificial substance or article used to replace something natural or genuine; a substitute.

ersatz British  

/ ˈɜː-, ˈɛəzæts /

adjective

1. made in imitation of some natural or genuine product; artificial

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noun

1. an ersatz substance or article

Etymology

Origin of ersatz

1870–75; < German Ersatz a substitute (derivative of ersetzen to replace)

Explanation

The ersatz version of something is an inferior substitute or imitation. You might speak in an ersatz French accent, but you won't fool the Parisian who runs the local French bakery. Used as a noun or adjective, ersatz stems from the German verb ersetzen, which means "to replace." Compared with regular Coke, Diet Coke may be considered an ersatz beverage because of its artificial sweeteners. Similarly, rich, creamy, full-fat ice cream is much better than the ersatz, fat-free version, or frozen yogurt. You would be in deep trouble if your fiancé found out that her engagement ring was an ersatz diamond.

Example Sentences

Besides, Mr. Powell has said he won’t compete with Mr. Warsh as an ersatz chairman.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 6, 2026

Those smoke-stained mirrors, that tin ceiling, the drapery and light fixtures are in fact set-dressed — ersatz!

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 26, 2026

The short sequence, created by Seedance -- the AI generation model developed by TikTok's parent company, Bytedance -- shows an ersatz fight between Brad Pitt and Tom Cruise.

From Barron's • Mar. 10, 2026

It's become an ersatz Versailles with phony gilt tchotkes jammed in every corner and gaudy picture frames crowded together on the walls:

From Salon • Apr. 9, 2025

He dialed—by memory—the number of the false-animal shop at which he had gotten his ersatz sheep.

From "Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?" by Philip K. Dick