Definition of substancenext
1
as in potential
the basic elements from which something can be developed many thought that the mayor's speech lacked substance because specific proposals for solving the city's problems were few

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2
3
4
as in object
one that has a real and independent existence the question of whether the soul is a substance entirely independent of the body

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of substance That’s why only seven substances, BPC-157, KPV, TB-500, MOTS-C, Emideltide, Semax and Epitalon, are on that meeting’s agenda even though far more than seven have already cleared the earlier hurdle. Allison Palmer updated June 24, Charlotte Observer, 24 June 2026 At the time, the singer was dealing with substance abuse. Angela Andaloro, PEOPLE, 23 June 2026 Watch for powdery mildew, which appears as a white, powdery substance. Kelly Manning, Martha Stewart, 23 June 2026 But there is substance amid all the beauty. Alaina Chou, Bon Appetit Magazine, 23 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for substance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for substance
Noun
  • Organizers had urged attendees earlier in the day Sunday to monitor conditions closely as forecasts called for the potential of severe thunderstorms across DC.
    Mike Stunson, USA Today, 30 June 2026
  • The act of focusing intently on an object—a holy name, a mantra, the Eucharist—has the potential to transform a person’s desires.
    Meghan O’Gieblyn, Harpers Magazine, 30 June 2026
Noun
  • The solution is to realize the importance of being rooted in the divine essence of God that has been given to everyone.
    Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 28 June 2026
  • In essence, Star Fox is the video game version of Alien or Terminator.
    Will Greenwald, PC Magazine, 27 June 2026
Noun
  • Its themes of power, wealth, consumerism and American identity remain as relevant as ever.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026
  • Alphonse Provinziano, managing partner of Provinziano & Associates law firm in Beverly Hills, also pointed to the mismatch in wealth in assessing possible spousal support for Kelce.
    Victoria Bekiempis, Vulture, 1 July 2026
Noun
  • What happens when an unstoppable force meets an immovable object?
    Doha Madani, NBC news, 1 July 2026
  • Air traffic control audio from that incident indicated the object appeared to strike the aircraft above the cockpit.
    Bonny Chu , Bradford Betz, FOXNews.com, 30 June 2026
Noun
  • There are also several design iterations, like options with awnings over the front door or skylights, as well as different materials, including cotton.
    Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 26 June 2026
  • This pair is made from organic cotton and spandex, creating a comfortable material that moves with you.
    Rachel Trujillo, PEOPLE, 26 June 2026
Noun
  • The project has sparked outrage because of the location’s pristine nature and unique habitat that would be irreversibly devastated, according to environmentalists.
    Zana Cimili, Los Angeles Times, 29 June 2026
  • But what Connecticut got was the top golfer in the world, at his very best at times, yet bitten in the end by the humbling nature of the most humbling of games.
    Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 29 June 2026
Noun
  • The union that crafted the proposal responded last week by proposing a legislative alternative that would create a 2% tax on billionaire’s assets.
    Seema Mehta, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2026
  • Many of the Silicon Valley tech moguls who oppose the measure have already moved their assets to other states or threatened to do so to avoid the possible tax.
    CBS News, CBS News, 26 June 2026
Noun
  • In January, Comcast spun off those networks, including CNBC, MS NOW, USA Network and Golf Channel, to create a new entity called Versant.
    Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026
  • According to the president’s latest financial disclosure, his entities DT Marks Defi and DT Marks SC realized nearly $263 million in net proceeds from the sale.
    Camila Grigera Naón, Fortune, 1 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Substance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/substance. Accessed 3 Jul. 2026.

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