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

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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

The shrine provides spiritual comfort for some who mourn relatives and others who visit to express gratitude.

— ABC News, ABC News, 14 Aug. 2026
Not long afterward, witnesses heard groans and heavy breathing as the spiritual adviser put her hands on his shoulders and prayed over him.

— CBS News, CBS News, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of spiritual

Adjective

That can lead to structural problems, from drawer fronts pulling off to flimsy drawer bottoms sagging or falling out under the weight of their contents.

— Rachel Silva, Martha Stewart, 14 Aug. 2026
Catios that only cost a few hundred dollars are generally flimsy and won't last long or truly protect against predators.

— Maddie Rhodes, USA Today, 12 Aug. 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

But a gossamer jacket tossed over a swimsuit on a breezy evening?

— Jennifer Noyes, Air Mail, 25 Apr. 2026
The type of memory flashbacks that are shot at knee level, gauzy and out of focus, with a gossamer visual touch to conjure whispering, buried emotions of the past.

— Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 17 Feb. 2026

Definition of gossamer

Adjective

That Dante lived during both the 13th and 14th centuries — and that Tosches’ movements as his novel’s protagonist take place at the start of the 21st century — means nothing in Schnabel’s meta-metaphysical realm.

— A.D. Amorosi, SPIN, 6 Aug. 2026
The war on language is more metaphysical than just the policing of proper social justice terminology, Williams argues.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 23 July 2026

Definition of metaphysical

Adjective

Over the years, however, the actress has proven herself remarkably versatile, pivoting nimbly from frothy rom-coms and broad comedies to searing dramas, psychological thrillers, and big-budget spectacles.

— Chris Bellamy, Entertainment Weekly, 14 Aug. 2026
Created by showrunner Vivian Lin, the frothy series has more Netflix YA power behind it in Jeff Norton (Geek Girl, Finding Her Edge).

— Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of frothy

Adjective

So, when companies that used to routinely print tens of billions in annual free cash flow start putting up immaterial sums — or even outflows — investors understandably start to be concerned.

— Zev Fima, CNBC, 6 Aug. 2026
The live audience was immaterial as long as the jokes were funny.

— IEEE Spectrum, IEEE Spectrum, 2 Aug. 2026