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

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2
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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

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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 Other pioneering research teams are advancing understanding of how sleep affects memory and brain development, how social media impacts adolescent mental health, and how brain and environmental factors influence risk for substance use disorders. Miami Herald, 8 July 2025 And nearly a fifth of workers in both industries have a substance use disorder, double the rate among all U.S. workers, according to a report from NORC at the University of Chicago and the National Safety Council. Aneri Pattani, CBS News, 8 July 2025 Meanwhile, substance use crept from just under 1 to nearly 2 from 2019 to 2022, according to a new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 July 2025 When compared to extraversion, conscientiousness is more strongly related to academic success, work performance and lower rates of substance use. Jasmine Mote, Scientific American, 7 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for substance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for substance
Noun
  • When heavy rain occurs, there is a potential for flooding, particularly in areas that are low-lying or prone to floods.
    STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 July 2025
  • Without a major change in the Iranian government, there remains a significant potential for future threats to oil supplies from the various parties involved.
    Michael Lynch, Forbes.com, 1 July 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
  • Home ownership holds different meanings for everyone, but for many of us, our homes constitute a significant portion of our personal wealth.
    Jennifer Horton, The Tennessean, 8 July 2025
  • Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren’s 2020 plan would have taxed wealth over $50 million at 2% and wealth over $1 billion at 6%.
    Kyle Khan-Mullins, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025
Noun
  • The agency recommends against carrying any metal objects, including umbrellas.
    Kerry Breen July 5, CBS News, 5 July 2025
  • Showcasing over 350 spectacular jewels and bejeweled objects, the vast and varied Victoria and Albert exhibit burnishes the Cartier brand and is attracting hordes, despite its steep ticket prices.
    Kyle Roderick, Forbes.com, 5 July 2025
Noun
  • Certain types of roofing materials are designed to reflect more sunlight than their counterparts, leading to cooler interiors.
    Maddie Topliff, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 July 2025
  • Derived from textile waste, the new material offers 50 percent lower carbon emissions than virgin polyester, and will be introduced into the supply chain for products like apparel.
    Kate Nishimura, Footwear News, 1 July 2025
Noun
  • Despite the denim industry’s global nature, factors like shrinking travel budgets and growing travel safety concerns are constraining how teams operate.
    Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 1 July 2025
  • Jefferson rooted the Declaration in natural philosophy, or the philosophical study of nature and the physical universe without consideration of supernatural causes.
    Time, Time, 1 July 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

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Cite this Entry

“Substance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/substance. Accessed 13 Jul. 2025.

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