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

Could Kleist’s conjecture provide a key to their seeming vacancy, their resignation, their helplessness, suggesting that in their benighted condition lies spiritual perfection?

— Matthew McLean, Artforum, 22 Sep. 2026
The novel seems poised to address the spiritual effect of competitive private schooling on the Kohs’ inner lives as well as the sociopolitics of education.

— Sanjena Sathian, Vulture, 22 Sep. 2026

Definition of spiritual

Adjective

The flames of perdition, fueled by guilt, estrangement, and repression, lap at society’s sham institutions and flimsy fronts of civility.

— Dan Piepenbring, Harpers Magazine, 22 Sep. 2026
None of us should get too attached to our flimsy little Y chromosome.

— Mike McRae September 20, New Atlas, 21 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

Lee’s lines have the intimacy and metaphysical heft of prayer; their elegant recursions and repetitions call to mind the cycles of life, death, and rebirth.

— The New Yorker, New Yorker, 21 Sep. 2026
Dürrenmatt is more focused on moral than metaphysical questions.

— Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 16 Sep. 2026

Definition of metaphysical

Adjective

At under 90 minutes, Unzipped isn’t just a frothy look at the fashion industry, but about a designer and a business working their way through the creative process, many cigarettes at a time.

— Marisa Meltzer, Vanity Fair, 25 Sep. 2026
Step 2 Blend 3 large eggs, room temperature, in a blender on high speed until very frothy, about 1 minute.

— Claire Saffitz, Bon Appetit Magazine, 21 Sep. 2026

Definition of frothy

Adjective

FedEx, meanwhile, doesn’t list Amazon as a key customer in its annual report, suggesting its revenue contribution is immaterial.

— Jeff Marks, CNBC, 22 Sep. 2026
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