1
as in essences
the quality or qualities that make a thing what it is
tireless caring and nurturing that was the very substance of maternal love
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in entities
one that has a real and independent existence
the question of whether the soul is a substance entirely independent of the body
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of substances
Tripti Bhattacharya, a paleoclimatologist at Syracuse University, also takes advantage of waxy substances—though much less smelly ones.
—
Hannah Richter, Scientific American, 7 May 2026
Youth exposure to Kratom and retail available substances.
—Adam Beam, AJC.com, 7 May 2026
It was known, however, that substances and processes that arrest cell division in animals lead to a doubling of chromosome number in plants.
—Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 7 May 2026
Adaptogens, explained in simple terms, are natural substances — specifically herbs, roots and mushrooms — that help the body manage physical, mental and emotional stress by restoring balance, also called homeostasis.
—Ryan Brennan
may 6, Sacbee.com, 6 May 2026
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are now a common topic in conversations about drinking water.
—Malana Vantyler, USA Today, 6 May 2026
Mixing or using it with alcohol, prescription drugs, or illicit substances can significantly slow breathing and lead to death.
—Matthew Rodriguez, CBS News, 2 May 2026
Key pieces of evidence were excluded, including entries from her diary and blood test results for alcohol and other substances, which were administered without proper adherence to due process, according to GQ.
—Jordana Comiter, PEOPLE, 2 May 2026
The 31-year-old man was charged Wednesday with malicious destruction of property and possessing substances to operate a meth lab.
—ABC News, 30 Apr. 2026
Hannah Richter, Scientific American, 7 May 2026
Youth exposure to Kratom and retail available substances.
—Adam Beam, AJC.com, 7 May 2026
It was known, however, that substances and processes that arrest cell division in animals lead to a doubling of chromosome number in plants.
—Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 7 May 2026
Adaptogens, explained in simple terms, are natural substances — specifically herbs, roots and mushrooms — that help the body manage physical, mental and emotional stress by restoring balance, also called homeostasis.
—Ryan Brennan
may 6, Sacbee.com, 6 May 2026
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are now a common topic in conversations about drinking water.
—Malana Vantyler, USA Today, 6 May 2026
Mixing or using it with alcohol, prescription drugs, or illicit substances can significantly slow breathing and lead to death.
—Matthew Rodriguez, CBS News, 2 May 2026
Key pieces of evidence were excluded, including entries from her diary and blood test results for alcohol and other substances, which were administered without proper adherence to due process, according to GQ.
—Jordana Comiter, PEOPLE, 2 May 2026
The 31-year-old man was charged Wednesday with malicious destruction of property and possessing substances to operate a meth lab.
—ABC News, 30 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for substances
Noun
-
Many imitation almond extracts or essences rely on synthetic benzaldehyde for flavor, which can create saccharine notes that overpower delicate desserts like custards, sponges, or pastry creams.—
Emily Saladino,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
9 Apr. 2026
-
Store shelves are packed with serums, toners, essences and exfoliants — all promising transformative results.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
7 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The moon has been a major source of interest for both SpaceX and NASA, with the two entities in partnership for Musk's company to develop a lunar lander for astronauts to ride to the surface.—
Eric Lagatta,
USA Today,
4 May 2026
-
The land will not be available to corporations, foreign money, or other entities looking to ration the American dream back to Californians.—
Linh Tat,
Oc Register,
4 May 2026
Noun
-
These observations suggest that small, mysterious moons with surprisingly different natures are the source of the particles that make up the two outermost rings, and that there are probably even more undiscovered moons to add to the 29 already known around Uranus.—
Keith Cooper,
Space.com,
22 Apr. 2026
-
Last month, a Los Angeles jury found social media giants Meta and Google failed to warn children about the addictive natures of their platforms.—
Drew Aunkst,
CBS News,
21 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Jaeger-LeCoultre has long treated its clocks not only as functional design objects, but also as creative laboratories.—
Taylor Stoddard,
Robb Report,
8 May 2026
-
Over half a century ago, NASA's Apollo 17 crew reported seeing multiple unidentified objects in space, including three mysterious dots and sparks that resembled fireworks, according to new files released by the Pentagon.—
Stephen Smith,
CBS News,
8 May 2026
Noun
-
As the Moon moves through your 2nd House of Finances, clear terms help prevent confusion and keep things fair.—
Tarot.com,
The Orlando Sentinel,
29 Apr. 2026
-
Rodriguez is happy to see things coming together as conference play gets into full swing.—
Paul Johnson,
Chicago Tribune,
29 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
In New York City, those realities have shaped the daily work of Hach and Rose, LLP since its founding.—
Daniel Fusch,
USA Today,
8 May 2026
-
The realities of time and space mean there will always be more people longing to get up close and personal with Eilish than there is of her to go around.—
Angie Han,
HollywoodReporter,
7 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Substances.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/substances. Accessed 9 May. 2026.
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