INSUBSTANTIAL Synonyms: 70 Similar and Opposite Words

insubstantial

adjective

ˌin(t)-səb-ˈstan(t)-shəl

Definition of insubstantial

as in unsubstantial

being of a material lacking in sturdiness or substance an insubstantial carton that could not possibly stand up during long-distance shipping

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in spiritual

not composed of matter energy is insubstantial

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 insubstantial Scarlet’s good intentions to end wars by way of sheer determination to do what’s right might prove insubstantial in practice. — Carlos Aguilar, Los Angeles Times, 6 Feb. 2026 Oliver Rackham, the great historian of the British countryside, devoted a not insubstantial portion of his career to rebutting this claim, noting that there is no evidence whatsoever to suggest that these punishments were ever carried out. — Rosa Lyster, Harpers Magazine, 30 Dec. 2025 And since the lesser and insubstantial always has to give place to the greater and substantial, self-indulgent lust has no choice but to make way for our reflection of pure and perfect Love. — Tony Lobl, Christian Science Monitor, 28 Oct. 2025 These insubstantial claims did not improve much after the European powers departed. — Michael Barnes, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for insubstantial

Recent Examples of Synonyms for insubstantial

Adjective

Roadmaps are frequently high-level and unsubstantial.

— Peter Bendor-Samuel, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026
This can alter the amount and types of ACE-inhibiting peptides created during fermentation2—and possibly account for kombucha's unsubstantial effect on blood pressure.

— MD Published, Verywell Health, 27 Dec. 2025

Definition of unsubstantial

Adjective

Each work takes its cues from Vodou spiritual practices in Haiti that are grounded in their African roots.

— Hikmat Mohammed, ARTnews.com, 14 Oct. 2026
Since those moments Birmingham has occupied a central space in the physical and spiritual lineage of America's Civil Rights Movement.

— Leslie Pariseau, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of spiritual

Adjective

Pack with intention Ayoub frequently sees people underestimate the value of proper packing supplies and trying to fit too much into a flimsy container.

— Perri Ormont Blumberg, Architectural Digest, 12 Oct. 2026
The rules, which are never explained, are put there as flimsy excuses for aspects of the pilot that don’t hold together otherwise.

— Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of flimsy

Adjective

Followers of the Abrahamic religions are supposed to treat God as immaterial and incorporeal, yet these early Yahweh worshippers imagined him as fully embodied.

— Manvir Singh, New Yorker, 9 Mar. 2026
Positioned as a large-scale genre event, the series updates the legendary SFX property with a contemporary political and social edge, with Shun Oguri leading the cast as a detective hunting a seemingly incorporeal killer.

— Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 27 Jan. 2026

Definition of incorporeal

Adjective

Oakley’s spin isn’t one of those gossamer period love stories about repressed emotions — those are there, yes, but the Dashwoods are actively pressing against their station at all times.

— Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 13 Oct. 2026
These days we are surrounded by ghosts and gossamer visions vying for our attention, trying to tell us something vital—or as mundane as to shut up already, like in my case.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Sep. 2026

Definition of gossamer

Adjective

The best moments on records like Redemption, Blackheart, and Second Line use her knack for grand, metaphysical metaphors to charge her singing with epic stakes.

— Stephen Kearse, Pitchfork, 9 Oct. 2026
Our work re-imagines these ancient tombs as theatrical spaces, built to perpetuate a form of metaphysical human experience.

— Jacqueline Ortoleva, Scientific American, 3 Oct. 2026

Definition of metaphysical

Adjective

Its frothy, pastel hues and single moment of contrived levity (when one dance claims a trumpet solo for a joke about jamming her toe) is one of those quintessential examples of Balanchine’s repertoire showing its age.

— Lauren Warnecke, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026
Her look was comprised of a frothy polka dot skirt and structured blazer complete with a large floral appliqué.

— Stephanie Bridger-Linning, Vanity Fair, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of frothy

Adjective

FedEx, meanwhile, doesn’t list Amazon as a key customer in its annual report, suggesting its revenue contribution is immaterial.

— Jeff Marks, CNBC, 22 Sep. 2026
The space will become an immaterial garden with intricate cutouts creating shadows, reflections and transparency for viewing the jewelry creations.

— Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2026