substantial
adjective
sub·stan·tial
səb-ˈstan(t)-shəl 
1
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
Synonyms
Examples of substantial in a Sentence
A substantial number of people commute to work each day.
Activities like that pose a substantial risk of injury.
She purchased her tickets at a substantial discount.
Only the buildings that were constructed of more substantial materials survived the earthquake.
I was hoping that they would serve us something more substantial than wine and cheese.
Recent Examples on the Web
Before the case went to the jury, Mike’s defense attorneys argued there wasn’t substantial evidence to support the charge — a claim the judge agreed with.
—
Tim Stelloh, NBC News, 1 Dec. 2023
Meanwhile, luxury fashion house Coach strategically partnered with influencers to connect with a substantial 2.3 million consumers, primarily female-identifying individuals aged 18-34, during its campaign.
—Cristy Garcia, Forbes, 30 Nov. 2023
In Germany, the involvement of television networks is often a cornerstone for film financing and production, providing a substantial platform for creative ventures.
—Callum McLennan, Variety, 30 Nov. 2023
Today, that song is seeing a second life with Gen Z thanks to a hilarious TikTok trend that is resulting in substantial streaming gains across DSPs.
—Andrew Unterberger, Billboard, 29 Nov. 2023
Pacific leaders called for a substantial boost in climate finance from all development partners to accelerate decarbonization and build climate resilience, especially for vulnerable communities.
—Josephine Latu-Sanft, Scientific American, 29 Nov. 2023
The buyer needs to be aware these new technologies may not be able to acquire replacement parts, or the cost of major component failed (engine, transmission) may be substantial.
—Laura Daily, Washington Post, 28 Nov. 2023
This one feels substantial and solid no matter how delicate the drink itself ends up being.
—Red Fabbri, Travel + Leisure, 27 Nov. 2023
And they were overwhelmed by the generosity of veteran guild members who have the means to pay for a food truck for a day or make other substantial donations that made a difference for members overall.
—Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 18 Nov. 2023
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Tim Stelloh, NBC News, 1 Dec. 2023
Meanwhile, luxury fashion house Coach strategically partnered with influencers to connect with a substantial 2.3 million consumers, primarily female-identifying individuals aged 18-34, during its campaign.
—Cristy Garcia, Forbes, 30 Nov. 2023
In Germany, the involvement of television networks is often a cornerstone for film financing and production, providing a substantial platform for creative ventures.
—Callum McLennan, Variety, 30 Nov. 2023
Today, that song is seeing a second life with Gen Z thanks to a hilarious TikTok trend that is resulting in substantial streaming gains across DSPs.
—Andrew Unterberger, Billboard, 29 Nov. 2023
Pacific leaders called for a substantial boost in climate finance from all development partners to accelerate decarbonization and build climate resilience, especially for vulnerable communities.
—Josephine Latu-Sanft, Scientific American, 29 Nov. 2023
The buyer needs to be aware these new technologies may not be able to acquire replacement parts, or the cost of major component failed (engine, transmission) may be substantial.
—Laura Daily, Washington Post, 28 Nov. 2023
This one feels substantial and solid no matter how delicate the drink itself ends up being.
—Red Fabbri, Travel + Leisure, 27 Nov. 2023
And they were overwhelmed by the generosity of veteran guild members who have the means to pay for a food truck for a day or make other substantial donations that made a difference for members overall.
—Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 18 Nov. 2023
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'substantial.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2
Time Traveler
The first known use of substantial was
in the 14th century
Dictionary Entries Near substantial
Cite this Entry
“Substantial.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/substantial. Accessed 4 Dec. 2023.
Copy Citation
Kids Definition
substantial
adjective
sub·stan·tial
səb-ˈstan-chəl
1
a
: consisting of or relating to substance : material
b
: not imaginary : real
the substantial world
c
: important sense 1, essential
substantial differences
2
: enough to satisfy and nourish
a substantial meal
3
a
: prosperous sense 1
a substantial farmer
b
: considerable in quantity : significantly large
a substantial increase
4
: firmly constructed
a substantial building
Legal Definition
substantial
adjective
sub·stan·tial
səb-ˈstan-chəl
1
a
: of or relating to substance
b
: not illusory : having merit
failed to raise a substantial constitutional claim
c
: having importance or significance : material
a substantial step had not been taken toward commission of the crime—W. R. LaFave and A. W. Scott, Jr.
W. R. LaFave and A. W. Scott, Jr.2
: considerable in quantity : significantly great
identification of serious and substantial failure to perform—U.S. Code
compare de minimis
U.S. Code
substantially
adverb
More from Merriam-Webster on substantial
Nglish: Translation of substantial for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of substantial for Arabic Speakers
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