substance

noun sub·stance \ ˈsəb-stən(t)s \

|Updated on: 9 Jul 2018

Examples: substance in a Sentence

1 a : essential nature : essence

b : a fundamental or characteristic part or quality

c Christian Science : god 1b

2 a : 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

3 a : 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

—

substanceless

play \ˈsəb-stən(t)s-ləs\ adjective

— in substance

: in respect to essentials : fundamentally

See substance defined for English-language learners

See substance defined for kids

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

Recent Examples of substance from the Web

After Cofield was placed in handcuffs, deputies found two small bags with a red powdery substance inside of his pocket, authorities said.

— michael williams, OrlandoSentinel.com, "NFL player arrested in Lake Mary on heroin charges after ramming police car, authorities say," 5 July 2018
Instead, the analysis revealed that the layer of green was saturated in arsenic, a highly toxic substance known to irritate the stomach, intestines and lungs, as well as induce nausea, diarrhea and skin changes.

— meilan solly, Smithsonian, "Arsenic-Laced Books Discovered in University Library," 3 July 2018
Debris from shotgun shells littered the field, and particles of a gray metallic substance were seen.

— jennie key, Cincinnati.com, "Ballfield at sports complex will remain closed until lead is removed," 2 July 2018
In some cases, medical examiners or coroners can identify a specific substance used.

— jennifer earl, Fox News, "70,000 opioid-related overdose deaths in US unaccounted for since 1999, study says," 28 June 2018
Before scientists were able to work out the complex organics in the plumes of Enceladus, NASA managed to determine that a smaller substance is abundant in the moon's waters: molecular hydrogen.

— jay bennett, Popular Mechanics, "Saturn's Moon Enceladus Is Spewing Complex Organic Molecules Into Space," 27 June 2018
Bushmaster becomes a force the likes of which Luke (Mike Colter) hasn't encountered before, thanks to his tenacious dedication to taking down Mariah, fueled by a strength-enhancing substance known as nightshade.

— josh wigler, The Hollywood Reporter, "'Luke Cage's' Breakout Star on Bringing Season 2's Villain to Life," 27 June 2018
Anderson replied no, despite there being a piece of a leafy substance that appeared to be marijuana on his shirt.

— madeleine marr, miamiherald, "He was pulled over for missing tail lights. Then a deputy looked under the seat.," 27 June 2018
Today, Cora Frances Stoddard might be a member of Mothers Against Drunk Driving or a substance abuse social worker or even a health researcher.

— stephanie schorow, BostonGlobe.com, "What should marijuana opponents do when their cause fails? A lesson from Prohibition," 23 June 2018

These 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.

Origin and Etymology of substance

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin substantia, from substant-, substans, present participle of substare to stand under, from sub- + stare to stand — more at stand

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

See Words from the same year

substance Synonyms

Synonyms

assets, capital, fortune, means, opulence, riches, wealth, wherewithal, worth;

Near Antonyms

debts, liabilities;

indebtedness;

bankroll, deep pockets, finances, funds, money, wallet;

abundance, affluence, prosperity, success;

treasure, valuables;

accession, acquisition, personal property, personalty, property;

nest egg, reserve, resources, savings, treasury;

SUBSTANCE Defined for English Language Learners

substance

noun

: 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