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
3
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 But, the law made no provisions for cannabis-like products, including Delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, and kratom, and towns have seen the boom of shops that sell the substances with few restrictions. Alan Kozeluh, Chicago Tribune, 26 June 2025 The substance was also used in the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing, which targeted a federal building and killed 168 people. Phil Helsel, NBC news, 26 June 2025 Although participants were reportedly drug-free for months, the long-term effects of prior substance use may still have influenced brain structure. New Atlas, 26 June 2025 Aphids excrete honeydew, a sticky substance that attracts ants, and that can lead to a buildup of sooty mold, a type of fungus that interferes with a plant’s ability to photosynthesize. Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 25 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for substance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for substance
Noun
  • Rovell, who plans to have one of about 250 booths set up at this year’s event, said even if Fanatics Fest is a money loser in the beginning, the brand-building potential is worth it for the multi-billion dollar company.
    Eric Jackson, Sportico.com, 20 June 2025
  • Odd Andersen | Afp | Getty Images Greenland has little interest in harnessing its massive resource potential to become a top mining country.
    Sam Meredith, CNBC, 20 June 2025
Noun
  • And the film has stood the test of time, capturing the essence of America's early space program for posterity.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 29 June 2025
  • Those forecasts are based on the idea that many U.S. stocks are overpriced, in essence, and trading above their real value.
    Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 28 June 2025
Noun
  • Like many women who have created literary salons or used their wealth and privilege to put themselves at the center of things, Sylvia Lynd is now mainly remembered—if at all—for her weekly parties at 5 Keats Grove, Hampstead.
    Nicola Wilson June 26, Literary Hub, 26 June 2025
  • There must be a better distribution of wealth for all of God's children in this country.
    Bill Hutchinson, ABC News, 26 June 2025
Noun
  • For autonomous vehicle applications, this includes labeling 3D point clouds from lidar sensors and marking objects across video frames.
    Janakiram MSV, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025
  • The discovery marks the first time cetaceans — marine mammals including whales, dolphins and porpoises — have been observed using an object as a tool to groom.
    Marlowe Starling, CNN Money, 23 June 2025
Noun
  • This town is built with two primary materials: white and gray matter.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 21 June 2025
  • Accordingly, this summer’s SHPO dig uncovered both metal assay materials and household artifacts.
    Alex Music, Idaho Statesman, 21 June 2025
Noun
  • But any government bringing its own military inside Iran’s borders should understand the nature of the country.
    Karl Vick, Time, 22 June 2025
  • Netflix has given some hints as to the nature of the final season of Outer Banks with new first-look pics and cast announcements.
    Bethy Squires, Vulture, 22 June 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
  • The only two other entities with access to the BAM compound within the surrounding counties were Colorado Parks and Wildlife and the National Park Service, officials said.
    Adam Sabes, FOXNews.com, 30 June 2025
  • The injunctions prohibited the Trump administration from applying the executive order to any individual or entity.
    Bruce Fein, Baltimore Sun, 30 June 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Substance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/substance. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on substance

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!