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
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Recent Examples of substance
The substance is found in some products sold at bodybuilding stores and has been used to promote cattle growth.
—
Ryan Canfield, FOXNews.com, 9 Jan. 2026
For example, a standard soil test may run about $30, while an environmental testing lab screening for hazardous substance categories like asbestos and pesticide residue might run $200-400 (per category).
—Miri Talabac, Baltimore Sun, 9 Jan. 2026
People with conditions such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, bipolarity, schizophrenia and post-traumatic stress disorder are at particularly high risk for substance abuse, Knowles said.
—Madeline Holcombe, CNN Money, 9 Jan. 2026
Dopamine shapes motivation, movement, learning and cognition, and its disruption is linked to a range of neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders, including substance use disorders, ADHD, autism and Parkinson’s disease.
—Habibeh Khoshbouei, The Conversation, 9 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for substance
Ryan Canfield, FOXNews.com, 9 Jan. 2026
For example, a standard soil test may run about $30, while an environmental testing lab screening for hazardous substance categories like asbestos and pesticide residue might run $200-400 (per category).
—Miri Talabac, Baltimore Sun, 9 Jan. 2026
People with conditions such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, bipolarity, schizophrenia and post-traumatic stress disorder are at particularly high risk for substance abuse, Knowles said.
—Madeline Holcombe, CNN Money, 9 Jan. 2026
Dopamine shapes motivation, movement, learning and cognition, and its disruption is linked to a range of neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders, including substance use disorders, ADHD, autism and Parkinson’s disease.
—Habibeh Khoshbouei, The Conversation, 9 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for substance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for substance
Noun
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Some said their businesses aren’t relevant to the bubble concerns, while others expressed optimism about AI’s potential and said they are focused on building products that show it.—
Lisa Eadicicco,
CNN Money,
10 Jan. 2026
-
If there is a potential for temperatures to fall into these thresholds, a freeze watch may be issued a few days ahead of time.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
10 Jan. 2026
Noun
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In essence, this would mean that alpha particles (helium nuclei) released by decaying uranium (or some other fissile material) would be focused through engine nozzles to generate thrust.—
Matthew S Williams,
Interesting Engineering,
10 Jan. 2026
-
For the chaotic essence of Catania, head (at the crack of dawn) to its 19th-century fish market under the Archi della Marina.—
Rosalyn Wikeley,
Condé Nast Traveler,
10 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Both nations boast vast petroleum reserves and extensive mineral wealth, long positioning themselves as anti-imperialist adversaries of the US.—
Mostafa Salem,
CNN Money,
7 Jan. 2026
-
Although the divorce left Cher with limited immediate wealth, the royalty agreement proved to be valuable in the long-term, reportedly earning her tens of millions of dollars paid out gradually over decades.—
Ashley Hume,
FOXNews.com,
6 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
By learning from video that captures how humans interact with objects, NEO can generalize its behavior across unfamiliar environments and tasks.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
13 Jan. 2026
-
Just don’t place fragile items and objects that could be damaged by extreme heat or cold in your trunk unless your car is staying put and the weather is mild.—
Lauren Landers,
The Spruce,
12 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
SuperSoft Fleece Half-Zip Marrying the roominess of a classic zip-up with the sophistication of a collared shirt, this style is all about relaxation thanks to the stretchy Tencel modal, spandex, and polyester-blend material.—
Michelle Baricevic,
Travel + Leisure,
11 Jan. 2026
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Associated Press text, photo, graphic, audio and/or video material shall not be published, broadcast, rewritten for broadcast or publication or redistributed directly or indirectly in any medium.—
Helaine Williams,
Arkansas Online,
11 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
His failure to accomplish his objectives does not mitigate the profoundly dangerous nature of his crimes.—
Brie Stimson,
FOXNews.com,
11 Jan. 2026
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Food and drink All meals are served at Little River, the floating restaurant that opened in 2022 with a massive wooden bar, cozy fireplace, and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking nature's symphony of wildlife outside.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
10 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Ownership also involves financial responsibility, with car insurance playing a role in how people manage and protect their assets.—
Ethan M. Stone,
Miami Herald,
9 Jan. 2026
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Universities and military assets were emphasized in Indiana’s application.—
Niki Kelly,
IndyStar,
8 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Anjula Acharia is deepening her partnership with Warner Music Group, launching a new management entity under the 5 Junction umbrella less than a year after establishing the label.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
6 Jan. 2026
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There are thousands of entities across the state that receive property taxes, including school districts, cities, and county governments.—
Nick Coltrain,
Denver Post,
6 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Substance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/substance. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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