Synonyms of substance

substance

noun

ˈsəb-stən(t)s 

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

• potential
• material
• potentiality
• making
• timber
• raw material
• stuff
• possibility
• metal
• matter

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

• essence
• nature
• soul
• manifestation
• being
• stuff
• essentiality
• aspect
• quiddity
• quintessence
• heart
• core
• name of the game
• property
• spirit
• attribute
• center
• pith
• marrow
• feature
• incarnation
• personification
• kernel
• seat
• gist
• keynote
• embodiment
• epitome
• alpha and omega
• nub

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

• wealth
• assets
• money
• capital
• things
• worth
• funds
• means
• riches
• effects
• fortune
• opulence
• possessions
• success
• holdings
• prosperity
• wherewithal
• property
• resources
• savings
• paraphernalia
• finances
• belongings
• abundance
• chattels
• wallet
• personalty
• affluence
• personal property
• acquisition
• treasure
• deep pockets
• treasury
• bankroll
• accession
• valuables
• nest egg
• reserve

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• liabilities
• debts
• indebtedness

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

• object
• entity
• reality
• thing
• something
• individual
• being
• commodity
• body
• matter
• subject
• individuality
• existent
• material
• integer
• quantity
• stuff

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• nonentity

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of substance

But scientists’ search for why these substances would have had these effects often came up empty. — Veronique Greenwood, Time, 9 July 2026

The inspector found moldy peppers in the cooler, a black and pink substance in the ice machine and meatloaf stored at an unsafe temperature. — Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 July 2026

After a brief debate that focused on procedure over substance, aldermen blocked consideration of Johnson’s millionaire tax and property tax relief fund referendums. — Jake Sheridan, Chicago Tribune, 9 July 2026

Addiction specialists caution that marijuana and cannabis should not be considered a harmless substance or a safer alternative to alcohol. — ABC News, 9 July 2026

Phrases Containing substance

• sum and substance