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
That would suggest a summit filled more with ceremony than substance, delivering solid if unspectacular outcomes.
—
Andy Browne, semafor.com, 21 Apr. 2026
Those born second, on the other hand, were more likely to be diagnosed with substance use disorders, shingles and gastrointestinal disorders.
—Sara Novak, Scientific American, 21 Apr. 2026
The crude corn oil appeared on the water as a yellow-orange substance.
—Ashley Grams, CBS News, 21 Apr. 2026
These two substances collectively constitute 95% of the universe yet have never been detected with certainty.
—Monisha Ravisetti, Space.com, 21 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for substance
Andy Browne, semafor.com, 21 Apr. 2026
Those born second, on the other hand, were more likely to be diagnosed with substance use disorders, shingles and gastrointestinal disorders.
—Sara Novak, Scientific American, 21 Apr. 2026
The crude corn oil appeared on the water as a yellow-orange substance.
—Ashley Grams, CBS News, 21 Apr. 2026
These two substances collectively constitute 95% of the universe yet have never been detected with certainty.
—Monisha Ravisetti, Space.com, 21 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for substance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for substance
Noun
-
But what most excites astrophysicists is Roman’s potential for answering some of their biggest questions about the universe itself.—
Dan Vergano,
Scientific American,
22 Apr. 2026
-
What started as a casual Instagram post quickly evolved into a rare crossover moment, with American and Brazilian volleyball stars flooding the comments to weigh in on 13-year-old Vivian Lake’s potential.—
Ryan Brennan
April 22,
Kansas City Star,
22 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Time was of the essence, but the attackers, too, had been up against the clock.—
Julian Lucas,
New Yorker,
20 Apr. 2026
-
How to extract the essence of a person from the clutter of days and years?—
Sara Wheeler,
Big Think,
17 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Whether despite this background or because of it, young Zac becomes preoccupied with the outward signs of extreme wealth, luxury cars especially, in a manner somewhat precocious but not entirely remarkable for a teenage boy.—
Mark O’Connell,
The New York Review of Books,
25 Apr. 2026
-
Jackson is depicted as conniving and quick to use his wealth and fame to overwhelm the family.—
Cynthia Littleton,
Variety,
24 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Evans also allegedly assaulted his then-girlfriend with a metal object, according to investigators.—
Alex Riggins,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
24 Apr. 2026
-
Rather than offering an echoing, soulless ambiance, the interior designers—ArchFlorence—have cleverly managed to create a warm and welcoming environment, filled with art (from the owner’s formidable collection), oriental rugs, objects and curiosities, fabulous books.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
23 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
One of the soldiers is also accused of transferring to an Iranian foreign agent materials from his military training related to fighter jet systems, as well as documentation of facilities and areas within a military base.—
Sean Nevin,
NBC news,
24 Apr. 2026
-
Samaa is a beautiful all-day diner filled with vases of bui (desert cotton), willow wood lamps from Kashmir, Channapatna toys, and exquisitely layered terrariums created from leftover construction material.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
23 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Most of all, life at Kukuiʻula allows residents to experience the feelings of belonging, family togetherness, and ties to nature that permeate Hawaiian culture.—
Robb Report Studio,
Robb Report,
23 Apr. 2026
-
One final metric that explains the nature of Bromley’s style is their passing sequences.—
Anantaajith Raghuraman,
New York Times,
23 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Emanuel is executive chair and CEO of TKO, which owns the UFC, WWE, IMG and PBR, among other assets.—
Alex Weprin,
HollywoodReporter,
23 Apr. 2026
-
In June 2025, Ukraine’s security services launched a massive drone attack against Russian air assets using drones concealed in trucks, reportedly damaging more than 40 planes.—
Lim Hui Jie,
CNBC,
23 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
One of those stories is about a couple and a supernatural entity in their world that is stopping the development and the recovery of their relationship from a crisis.—
Brian Davids,
HollywoodReporter,
20 Apr. 2026
-
For the first phase, only entities who have made certain tariff payments will be able to make refund submissions.—
Elisabeth Buchwald,
CNN Money,
20 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Substance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/substance. Accessed 25 Apr. 2026.
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