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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in essence
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
3
as in wealth
the total of one's money and property
measure the worth of a person not by his earthly substance but by his good deeds
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
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Recent Examples of substance
Jordan Addison has been suspended for the first three games of the season for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy, Rondale Moore is out for the season, and Justin Jefferson has also been dealing with a nagging injury.
—
James Brizuela, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Aug. 2025
Schaffer’s probation terms included no violent contact with the victim and an order to receive domestic violence and substance abuse evaluations.
—Nathan Pilling, Kansas City Star, 12 Aug. 2025
Other countries believe taxing rights should be based on economic substance and value creation, and some countries are unsure if third countries should receive these taxing rights.
—Nana Ama Sarfo, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2025
The compound 7-OH is a naturally occurring substance in the kratom plant (Mitragyna speciosa), according to the FDA, but only a minor component comprising less than 2% of the alkaloid content in natural kratom leaves.
—Natalie Neysa Alund, USA Today, 31 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for substance
James Brizuela, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Aug. 2025
Schaffer’s probation terms included no violent contact with the victim and an order to receive domestic violence and substance abuse evaluations.
—Nathan Pilling, Kansas City Star, 12 Aug. 2025
Other countries believe taxing rights should be based on economic substance and value creation, and some countries are unsure if third countries should receive these taxing rights.
—Nana Ama Sarfo, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2025
The compound 7-OH is a naturally occurring substance in the kratom plant (Mitragyna speciosa), according to the FDA, but only a minor component comprising less than 2% of the alkaloid content in natural kratom leaves.
—Natalie Neysa Alund, USA Today, 31 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for substance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for substance
Noun
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This dual-track model has the potential to not only strengthen the child-parent bond but also shorten the duration of therapy and improve long-term resilience.—
Nia Bowers,
USA Today,
20 Aug. 2025
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The second dimension, Investment Capacity & Activity, was evaluated using key metrics like available capital (dry powder), assets under management (AUM), and deal flow, examining both current investment potential and operational activity.—
TIME Staff,
Time,
19 Aug. 2025
Noun
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This, in essence, is our second counterintuitive emotional intelligence strategy: Prioritizing the honesty of your message above all else.—
Kevin Kruse,
Forbes.com,
29 Aug. 2025
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In essence, that’s the mission of every Katrina anniversary doc.—
Ben Travers,
IndieWire,
27 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Instead of wealth transformation, executives were given I.O.U.s.—
Sam Knight,
New Yorker,
25 Aug. 2025
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Consider the potlatch ceremonies of Pacific Northwest tribes, where status derives not from accumulating wealth but from giving it away.—
Cornelia C. Walther,
Forbes.com,
25 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Stay away from water, wet items, and metal objects.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
23 Aug. 2025
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The object was found over the side of an embankment in the forest, according to the release.—
Natalie Neysa Alund,
USA Today,
22 Aug. 2025
Noun
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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.—
Katy Henriksen,
Arkansas Online,
21 Aug. 2025
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In the United States, it is used in medical devices and measurement gauges, such as industrial devices that measure the thickness of materials.—
Cheryl V. Jackson,
IndyStar,
21 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Serena and Leah comfort her and talk about their own experiences with death and the nonlinear nature of grief.—
Olivia Crandall,
Vulture,
22 Aug. 2025
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The suite’s interiors reflect the nature on the doorstep, with a soothing color palette of earthy browns, soft taupes and warm greens.—
Angelina Villa-Clarke,
Forbes.com,
22 Aug. 2025
Noun
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In the complaint, Aaron asks that neither party be awarded alimony and that both parties' community assets and debts are in accordance with Nevada law.—
Ingrid Vasquez,
People.com,
14 Mar. 2025
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The dots represented arts organizations, creative businesses, studios, galleries, performance venues, and cultural and historic assets.—
Jim Woods,
Chicago Tribune,
14 Mar. 2025
Noun
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As a for-profit entity, how can the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel accept donations?—
Greg Borowski,
jsonline.com,
29 Aug. 2025
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This benefits taxpayers, who gain from better care access and lower tax burdens when target entities are successfully turned around, but bear no financial risk if investments fail.—
Ge Bai,
Forbes.com,
28 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Substance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/substance. Accessed 1 Sep. 2025.
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