interchangeable

[ in-ter-cheyn-juh-buhl ]

adjective

1. (of two things) capable of being put or used in the place of each other:

   interchangeable symbols.

2. (of one thing) capable of replacing or changing places with something else:

   an interchangeable part.

Other Words From

• in·ter·change·a·bil·i·ty [in-ter-cheyn-j, uh, -, bil, -i-tee], in·ter·change·a·ble·ness noun
• in·ter·change·a·bly adverb
• non·in·ter·change·a·bil·i·ty noun
• non·in·ter·change·a·ble adjective
• non·in·ter·change·a·ble·ness noun
• un·in·ter·change·a·ble adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of interchangeable¹

First recorded in 1400–50; interchange + -able; replacing late Middle English entrechaungeable, from Middle French entrechangeable

Synonym Study

See exchangeable.

Example Sentences

“The products are not interchangeable and should not be used outside of their approved indications,” the spokesperson added.

From Los Angeles Times

When praising women for embodying the qualities of men, beards were interchangeable with other male body parts as descriptive devices, even if such women did not actually possess them.

From Salon

Officials said on Wednesday that the astronauts’ space suits are not interchangeable.

From BBC

So instead of an extravagant diversity of perfume bottles, all fragrances might come in interchangeable cylindrical jars.

From Salon

Fact and fiction appear interchangeable in an election year when AI-generated content is targeting voters in ways that were once unimaginable.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• compatible
• synonymous