1 B1 informal
To remove one thing and replace it with a different one, especially to improve performance, try an alternative, or make a repair.
"You can easily switch out the default settings for something that suits you better."
separable
switch out
B1 informal separable transitive
To replace one thing with another, or to substitute one person or item for a different one.
In plain English
To take one thing out and put a different thing in its place.
What does "switch out" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 informal
In sport or performance: to substitute one player or performer for another.
"The coach decided to switch out the goalkeeper at halftime after the poor first-half display."
separable
3 B1 informal
In cooking or recipes: to substitute one ingredient for another.
"You can switch out the butter for olive oil if you want a healthier version of the recipe."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To switch something out of its place — removing it from a position and putting something else there.
Actually means
To take one thing out and put a different thing in its place.
Usage tip
More common in American English. Very common in technology, cooking, sports, and business contexts. Often used when making substitutions to improve something or try an alternative. 'Swap out' is a near-perfect synonym.
Words that pair with "switch out"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
battery component ingredient player part item
How to conjugate "switch out"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
switch out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
switches out
he/she/it
Past simple
switched out
yesterday
Past participle
switched out
have + pp
-ing form
switching out
continuous
Hear "switch out" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "switch out" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "switch out"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
Keep exploring
Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.