1
as in potential
the basic elements from which something can be developed many thought that the mayor's speech lacked substance because specific proposals for solving the city's problems were few

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2
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4
as in object
one that has a real and independent existence the question of whether the soul is a substance entirely independent of the body

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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 substance To land lasting coverage, there needs to be substance behind the collab’s output. Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2025 Corosky said Jackson had performed community service, received substance abuse training and paid fines. Brendan Kuty, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2025 This is due to our incredible nonprofit partners — The Fortune Society, Housing Works, and HousingPlus — delivering quality living accommodations, care, and — when needed — substance abuse and mental health services. Deanna Logan, New York Daily News, 20 Aug. 2025 In this respect his authority would be nominally the same with that of the king of Great Britain, but in substance much inferior to it. Chris Lehmann, Harpers Magazine, 20 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for substance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for substance
Noun
  • While compelling research supports matcha’s potential to aid in weight loss, it should still be viewed as playing a supporting role alongside a healthy lifestyle.
    Christina Manian, Health, 18 Aug. 2025
  • His form had been erratic in his time at Bournemouth, but, in the final months of last season, the wide player showed his potential.
    The Athletic UK Staff, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Osteoporosis is the loss of bone mineralization, which in essence, is the loss of bone strength over time.
    Caroline C. Boyle, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2025
  • Each silky mask is drenched in the radiance-boosting essence, powered by La Mer’s iconic Miracle Broth (a nutrient-rich blend of sea kelp, minerals, and antioxidants), along with glycerin and algae extracts to deeply replenish moisture and soften the look of fine lines.
    Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 26 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Knowing that the flies’ systems correlate so well with human systems, Chaturvedi said researchers can now use artificial intelligence trained on a wealth of genetic data from fruit fly experiments to predict how the observed impacts on the flies translate to humans.
    Austin Corona, AZCentral.com, 30 Aug. 2025
  • Over this summer, the Public Investment Fund — the kingdom’s sovereign wealth fund — and the Ministry of Sports have opened the door to privatization and outside capital .
    Mavis Mook, CNBC, 30 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Since AirTags were made to track objects like keys and bags, slipping one into a shoe was just a matter of time.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 13 Aug. 2025
  • James Delbourgo shows in this mesmerizing book the parallel between people’s psyches and their objects.
    Gabrielle Bellot, Literary Hub, 12 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Associated Press text, photo, graphic, audio and/or video material shall not be published, broadcast, rewritten for broadcast or publication or redistributed directly or indirectly in any medium.
    Grant Lancaster, Arkansas Online, 2 Sep. 2025
  • High-quality wood will produce a rich and warm sound, while cheaper materials may produce a bright tone similar to a violin.
    BestReviews, Mercury News, 1 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The specific geographical nature of spirits, like American whiskey only being able to be made in America and Scotch only being able to come from Scotland, must be considered when negotiating broad trade deals, Swonger said.
    Olivia Evans, The Courier-Journal, 28 Aug. 2025
  • That’s the nature of the monsoon, a season that promises drama but rarely guarantees it.
    Hayleigh Evans, AZCentral.com, 28 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Once shunned by investors who were drawn to an environmental, social and governance lens, defense assets have surged in popularity in light of geopolitical turmoil and pledges by Germany and other European Union members to ramp up defense spending.
    Hayley Cuccinello, CNBC, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Tariffs and dollar weakness are part of the picture, but the bigger takeaway is that investors are turning to safe-haven assets.
    Hugh Cameron, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The Landbank Authority is made up of multiple taxing entities — including Metro Government, state government and Jefferson County Public Schools — and owns properties across the county.
    Killian Baarlaer, The Courier-Journal, 28 Aug. 2025
  • Dick’s plans to operate Foot Locker as a separate entity.
    Gabrielle Fonrouge, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Substance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/substance. Accessed 5 Sep. 2025.

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