substantial

sub·stan·tial

adjective \səb-ˈstan(t)-shəl\

Definition of SUBSTANTIAL

1

a : consisting of or relating to substance

b : not imaginary or illusory : real, true

c : important, essential

2

: ample to satisfy and nourish : full <a substantial meal>

3

a : possessed of means : well-to-do

b : considerable in quantity : significantly great <earned a substantial wage>

4

: firmly constructed : sturdy <a substantial house>

5

: being largely but not wholly that which is specified <a substantial lie>

— substantial noun

— sub·stan·ti·al·i·ty \-ˌstan(t)-shē-ˈa-lə-tē\ noun

— sub·stan·tial·ly \-ˈstan(t)-sh(ə-)lē\ adverb

— sub·stan·tial·ness \-ˈstan(t)-shəl-nəs\ noun

Examples of SUBSTANTIAL

1. A substantial number of people commute to work each day.
2. Activities like that pose a substantial risk of injury.
3. She purchased her tickets at a substantial discount.
4. Only the buildings that were constructed of more substantial materials survived the earthquake.
5. I was hoping that they would serve us something more substantial than wine and cheese.

First Known Use of SUBSTANTIAL

14th century

Related to SUBSTANTIAL

Synonyms

big, consequential, earthshaking, earth-shattering, eventful, historic, major, material, meaningful, momentous, monumental, much, significant, important, tectonic, weighty

Antonyms

inconsequential, inconsiderable, insignificant, little, minor, negligible, slight, small, trifling, trivial, unimportant

Related Words

decisive, fatal, fateful, strategic; earnest, grave, heavy, serious, sincere; distinctive, exceptional, impressive, outstanding, prominent, remarkable; valuable, worthwhile, worthy; distinguished, eminent, great, illustrious, noble, notable, noteworthy, outstanding, preeminent, prestigious; famous, notorious, renowned; all-important, central, critical, crucial, essential, key, pivotal, seminal, vital

Near Antonyms

paltry, petty, worthless; anonymous, nameless, obscure, uncelebrated, unknown