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

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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

Only the Avatar, a spiritual figure reincarnated with each subsequent generation, can bend all four elements at once.

— Alison Herman, Variety, 24 July 2026
Bhajan clubbing has brought Hindu tradition to the dance floor, providing a sober and spiritual nightlife experience.

— Devika Rao, TheWeek, 23 July 2026

Definition of spiritual

Adjective

White button-down shirts have both star power and staying power, but the key is to choose one that isn’t sheer or flimsy.

— Tanya Sharma, PEOPLE, 22 July 2026
The buttons, switches and rotary controls also have a satisfying action, avoiding the flimsy feel that can undermine an otherwise attractive economy-car interior.

— Karl Brauer, Forbes.com, 21 July 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

Varsha’s mysterious memories are apparently linked to a much larger set of crises, and in order to make sense of these connections, both Dinu and Ghosh will have to dispense with the material and tread into the metaphysical.

— Robert Rubsam, The Atlantic, 20 July 2026
For me, the metaphysical questions always come first, and the story emerges organically from the questions.

— Deborah Treisman, New Yorker, 19 July 2026

Definition of metaphysical

Adjective

But perhaps venom’s most consequential gift hangs in the frothy saliva of the Gila monster.

— Steve Midway, STAT, 16 July 2026
Cool, icy, and tangy, this blender dessert whirls buttermilk, ice, and honey into a sweet, frothy cloud of a frappe perfect for hot summer nights.

— Anna Kovel, Martha Stewart, 10 July 2026