sub·stance | \ ˈsəb-stən(t)s 
\
\Definition of substance
2a : ultimate reality that underlies all outward manifestations and change
b : practical importance : meaning, usefulness the … bill—which will be without substance in the sense that it will authorize nothing more than a set of ideas— Richard Reeves
3a : physical material from which something is made or which has discrete existence
b : matter of particular or definite chemical constitution
c : something (such as drugs or alcoholic beverages) deemed harmful and usually subject to legal restriction
possession of a controlled substance substance abuse
4 : material possessions : property a family of substance
in substance
: in respect to essentials : fundamentally
Keep scrolling for more
Other Words from substance
substanceless \ ˈsəb-stən(t)s-ləs \ adjective
\ adjective
Examples of substance in a Sentence
The pancreas secretes a substance called insulin.
The floor was covered with a white, powdery substance that turned out to be flour.
heroin and other illegal substances
He had a history of substance abuse.
When has he ever said anything of substance?
The results of the study give substance to their theory.
the substance of my argument
See More
Recent Examples on the Web Suicides, substance abuse and unemployment are up as people have been forced to stay home for weeks at a time.
—
Yadira Sanchez Olson, chicagotribune.com, "Year in review: COVID-19 pandemic’s toll includes 700 Lake County deaths and increased anxiety, stress, addiction," 30 Dec. 2020 Manziel has also battled substance abuse, depression and been diagnosed with bipolar disorder.
—
cleveland, "Johnny Manziel’s latest comeback attempt will be in the Fan Controlled Football league," 30 Dec. 2020 The Connecticut Hospital Association lists 27 acute care hospitals in the state, along with 11 non-governmental psychiatric, rehabilitation, substance abuse or terminally ill hospitals.
—
Michael Hamad, courant.com, "Seven Connecticut hospitals receive top grades by national watchdog organization," 30 Dec. 2020 Between the stresses of the year, the isolation of physical distancing, and the closure of social spaces, rates of depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and eating disorders have spiked.
—
Ed Yong, The Atlantic, "Pandemic Year Two," 29 Dec. 2020 Ninety percent of employers say that the pandemic has impacted on their workforce in terms of either mental health, substance abuse, or productivity, according to a McKinsey survey of roughly 1,000 companies published in June.
—
Sarah Todd, Quartz at Work, "The year it was OK not to be OK at work," 29 Dec. 2020 One of the many consequences of COVID-19 is a spike in substance abuse nationwide.
—
Los Angeles Times, "COVID-19 wreaked havoc with their lives. Now, musicians battle another epidemic: addiction," 28 Dec. 2020 Gordon, who led the NFL with 1,646 receiving yards in 2013, hasn't played in a game in over a year because of his substance abuse issues.
—
Steve Gardner, USA TODAY, "Seattle Seahawks' Josh Gordon out indefinitely after not satisfying terms of his reinstatement," 23 Dec. 2020 Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Josh Gordon has been ruled ineligible to play Sunday after a setback in his battle with substance abuse broke the terms of his conditional reinstatement, according to multiple reports.
—
oregonlive, "Seattle Seahawks’ Josh Gordon suffers setback in battle with substance abuse, ineligible to play Sunday: Reports," 23 Dec. 2020
See MoreThese example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'substance.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Keep scrolling for more
Keep scrolling for more
More Definitions for substance
substance
nounEnglish Language Learners Definition of substance
: a material of a particular kind
: a drug that is considered harmful and whose use is controlled by law or made illegal
: the quality of being meaningful, useful, or important
See the full definition for substance in the English Language Learners Dictionary
substance
nounsub·stance | \ ˈsəb-stəns \
\Kids Definition of substance
1 : material of a certain kind
an oily substance
2 : the most basic or important part or quality
The books differ in both style and substance.
3 : material belongings : wealth a person of substance
substance
nounsub·stance | \ ˈsəb-stən(t)s \
\Medical Definition of substance
1 : physical material from which something is made or which has discrete existence
the substance of nerve tissue
2 : matter of particular or definite chemical constitution
3 : something (as alcohol, methamphetamine, or marijuana) deemed harmful and usually subject to legal restriction
heroin is a controlled substance substance abuse
Keep scrolling for more
substance
nounsub·stance
Legal Definition of substance
1 : substantive law was a question of substance and not process — compare procedure
2 : something (as language) essential especially to establishing a valid right, claim, or charge
a title defective in form, not substance
Keep scrolling for more
Comments on substance
What made you want to look up substance? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Test Your Vocabulary
Words of Snow and Ice Quiz
- Which of the following refers to thin, bending ice, or to the act of running over such ice?
Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.
TAKE THE QUIZ
Anagram puzzles meet word search.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridgedWords at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games
- Words of Snow and Ice Quiz
A selection of words from the chillier parts of t...
Take the quiz - Name that Thing: Toys and Games Edition
It's all fun and games until someone beats your h...
Take the quiz - True or False?
Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something a...
Take the quiz - SCRABBLE® Sprint
SCRABBLE® fans, sharpen your skills!
Play the game
Share substance
Time Traveler for substance
The first known use of substance was in the 14th century
See more words from the same century