ersatz

[er-zahts, -sahts, er-zahts, -sahts]

adjective

1. serving as a substitute; synthetic; artificial.

   an ersatz coffee made from grain.

noun

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

ersatz

/ ˈɜː-, ˈɛəzæts /

adjective

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

noun

1. an ersatz substance or article

Word History and Origins

Origin of ersatz¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of ersatz¹

C20: German, from ersetzen to substitute

Example Sentences

All of these ersatz businesses had accounts at Chase, Cathay or Singapore’s DBS Bank.

From Salon

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

Nor is it an ersatz Irish pub with lots of dark wood, touches of green and a Guinness mirror.

From Los Angeles Times

He flies around on a plane he calls "Trump Force One" and uses an ersatz presidential seal at any podium he stands behind.

From Salon

“Because it’s set on this vintage Hollywood soundstage, the director, Martin Gas, he contextualizes the ersatz vision of Japan because he puts a frame around it,” LA Opera CEO Christopher Koelsch said.

From Seattle Times