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
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 substance
Nowhere has the social and economic impact been more acutely felt than in Portland, a proudly progressive, mid-sized city of more than 600,000 that not long ago was one the most desirable places to live in the country, despite stubbornly high rates of unsheltered homelessness and substance abuse.
—
Jason Motlagh, Rolling Stone, 27 Apr. 2025
Roman reportedly battled substance issues in her early years before devoting herself to Christianity in 1973.
—Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 26 Apr. 2025
Lion’s mane and cannabis are two natural substances gaining attention for their unique health benefits and diverse uses.
—Tribune Content Agency, Mercury News, 24 Apr. 2025
But the same things that prevent parents from maintaining employment or housing — especially substance abuse and mental illness — often inhibit them from engaging in services, while also diminishing their ability to protect and care for their children.
—Emily Putnam-Hornstein and Naomi Schaefer Riley, Twin Cities, 13 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for substance
Jason Motlagh, Rolling Stone, 27 Apr. 2025
Roman reportedly battled substance issues in her early years before devoting herself to Christianity in 1973.
—Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 26 Apr. 2025
Lion’s mane and cannabis are two natural substances gaining attention for their unique health benefits and diverse uses.
—Tribune Content Agency, Mercury News, 24 Apr. 2025
But the same things that prevent parents from maintaining employment or housing — especially substance abuse and mental illness — often inhibit them from engaging in services, while also diminishing their ability to protect and care for their children.
—Emily Putnam-Hornstein and Naomi Schaefer Riley, Twin Cities, 13 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for substance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for substance
Noun
-
But if Game 1 is any indication, this has the potential to be a short one.—
Julian McKenzie,
New York Times,
21 Apr. 2025
-
Each year, Christians celebrate this resurrection at Easter and marvel at the potential for the moribund to become filled with life again.—
Joshua Stanton,
New York Daily News,
20 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Accompanied by sweeping string arrangements and powerful blaring horns, the song encapsulates the essence of modern mariachi while staying rooted in its timeless traditions.—
Isabela Raygoza,
Billboard,
18 Apr. 2025
-
Pretty much, Orji’s focus for the live format isn’t to recreate what’s been done before, but making the experience her own while staying true to the essence of the show.—
Amber Corrine,
VIBE.com,
18 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Trump argues his tariff policy will generate vast wealth for the country, allowing tax rates to drop even further.—
Trevor Hughes,
USA Today,
28 Apr. 2025
-
Naomi Girma has played just over 100 minutes for the team across three matches but has a wealth of experience in big games.—
Tamerra Griffin,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Do not approach water, wet objects, or metal items.—
KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT,
Kansas City Star,
25 Apr. 2025
-
The ring both reveals the existence of the background object and magnifies it.—
Jamie Carter,
Forbes.com,
25 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Meanwhile, the air force is increasing its dependence on Chinese components such as chips and rare-earth materials.—
MICHAEL BROWN,
Foreign Affairs,
22 Apr. 2025
-
They can be made from many materials, though leather is generally considered to be the best.—
BestReviews,
Mercury News,
22 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Featuring a 130-foot-wide (39.3m) mirror, the ELT will study the universe in visible light to provide a more detailed view of potentially habitable exoplanets, the formation of the first galaxies, supermassive black holes, and the nature of dark matter and dark energy.—
Samantha Mathewson,
Space.com,
23 Apr. 2025
-
States rely on, and benefit from, the expertise and bipartisan nature of the FTC to protect their consumers.—
Ross Rosenfeld,
MSNBC Newsweek,
23 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
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
-
The dots represented arts organizations, creative businesses, studios, galleries, performance venues, and cultural and historic assets.—
Jim Woods,
Chicago Tribune,
14 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
The shortest answer to this question is that a violin and a fiddle are structurally the same instrument, but it can certainly be argued that a fiddle is its own entity.—
Katherine Polcari,
Southern Living,
19 Apr. 2025
-
This year, the two entities solicited corporations to donate $75,000 to $200,000 in sponsorships with the promise of on-campus branding and logo displays typically banned due to concerns of private gain spurred by taxpayer dollars.—
Ashleigh Fields,
The Hill,
19 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Substance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/substance. Accessed 2 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share