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
-
As Pluto retrogrades in Aquarius, the potential for shocking revelations is at its peak.—
Valerie Mesa,
People.com,
3 May 2025
-
Putting any more pressure on myself won’t help me to extract more potential out of myself.—
Luisa Zargani,
Footwear News,
2 May 2025
Noun
-
In essence, sunlight collected with Psyche's large solar arrays gets converted into electricity, which then powers up the spacecraft's four thrusters.—
Monisha Ravisetti,
Space.com,
1 May 2025
-
In essence, different threads coming together to create something meaningful and strong.—
Kissa Castaneda,
Forbes.com,
1 May 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
-
While the East African nation of Uganda is home to a wealth of iconic creatures spanning from the forest elephant to the sitatunga to the okapi, few native animals can match the intrigue of the eastern chimpanzee.—
Jared Ranahan,
Forbes.com,
27 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Heiss’s bed would be a platform floating in a room, with no clutter around it; the only other objects would be a curved lamp and a cabinet to hold Heiss’s linen shirts and trousers.—
Lillian Fishman,
New Yorker,
4 May 2025
-
What to look for: The current owner's collection of historic objects found in the area as well as an eclectic mix of mid-century modern and antique furniture.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
2 May 2025
Noun
-
Bulging at the seams, more than 300 artworks spanning a six-decade career engage the full range of materials and techniques that Asawa employed including her signature looped-wire sculptures.—
Chadd Scott,
Forbes.com,
4 May 2025
-
Its galvanized steel shell is an affordable change from the resin material that many smaller sheds are made of these days.—
Clint Davis,
People.com,
3 May 2025
Noun
-
Agassi said he was originally drawn to pickleball because of its social, inclusive nature.—
Todd Boss,
Forbes.com,
4 May 2025
-
Arteta did not disclose the exact nature of the problem but explained Timber, 23, was missing from the matchday squad for the weekend’s Premier League fixture due to a knock picked up in the first leg defeat against the Ligue 1 champions on Tuesday.—
Art de Roché,
New York Times,
3 May 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
-
What to Know During Wednesday's oral arguments, Gorsuch invoked Lebron v. National Railroad Passenger Corporation, a 1995 decision that established when a private entity could be considered a state actor.—
Jenna Sundel,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 May 2025
-
Both entities should be voting on the project in May.—
Desiree Mathurin,
Charlotte Observer,
1 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Substance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/substance. Accessed 11 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share