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

When the crown proves capable of betrayal, Garfield sees the break as spiritual as much as political.

— JP Mangalindan, Time, 11 Sep. 2026
Experts suspect the pigment may be cinnabar, a mercury sulfide mineral that held immense spiritual and ritualistic value for the Chimu, explicitly reserved for high-ranking members of society.

— Francesca Aton, ARTnews.com, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of spiritual

Adjective

As fishermen wrestled their catches out of flimsy fiberglass boats near a makeshift shoreside market recently, several stopped to talk with CNN, complaining that the war is ruining business.

— Nic Robertson, CNN Money, 10 Sep. 2026
Besides, his long hours of labor are balanced out with what looks like a flimsy draw on paper.

— Ava Wallace, New York Times, 6 Sep. 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

The gossamer thread holding the sacred feminine maelstrom together?

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 2 Sep. 2026
As with anything related to Meghan and Harry, even the most gossamer threads of gossip quickly ignited, and news of Meghan’s mysterious new role spread across multiple continents.

— K.J. Yossman, Variety, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of gossamer

Adjective

For decades, metaphysical stores and botanicas have sold religious items and offered spiritual cleansings and readings in spite of stigmatization and gentrification.

— Amanda Rosa, Miami Herald, 4 Sep. 2026
Eddy has been spared the worst violence; the novel casts his racial privilege as a kind of metaphysical exemption.

— Katy Waldman, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of metaphysical

Adjective

But Hearts of Darkness didn’t have anywhere as many macarons, pugs or frothy silk-satin gowns as Making Marie Antoinette does, so who knows which one future generations will watch more?

— Leslie Felperin, HollywoodReporter, 6 Sep. 2026
The flavor trend has grown in recent years, with more people adding frothy, creamy banana foam to their favorite coffee drinks or banana bread coffee syrup to their lattes.

— Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of frothy

Adjective

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
But that doesn’t mean what happens along the way is immaterial.

— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 25 Aug. 2026