Cryptic crossword clue
Reductive substitution English man used in mass medium 7

The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 7 letter word METONYM

I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
M
E
T
O
N
Y
M

Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "Reductive substitution" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case reductive substitution = metonym.
The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.
This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.

What does METONYM mean?

METONYM noun
  1. (grammar) A word that names an object from a single characteristic of it or of a closely related object; a word used in metonymy.
  2. (by extension) A concept, idea, or word used to represent, typify, or stand in for a broader set of ideas.

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