substance

noun

ˈsəb-stən(t)s How to pronounce substance (audio)
Definition of substancenext
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
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

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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

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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

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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 In the podcast, conversations with guests are interspersed with rambling reflections from Von, who is open about his past issues with substance abuse. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 20 Aug. 2026 Cocaine is banned as a doping substance during competitions, with lower sanctions applied when used away from events. — ABC News, 19 Aug. 2026 The latest bust followed the seizure of more than 400 pounds of the substance at the airport last week. — Renee Anderson, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026 Vacuum diatomaceous earth with a shop vac instead of your regular vacuum, or wipe up the substance with a damp rag. — Kate Van Pelt, The Spruce, 19 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for substance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for substance
  1. potential
  2. essence
  3. wealth
  4. object
  5. material
  6. nature
  7. assets
  8. entity
Noun
  • Despite a recent controversy regarding his comments about Dodgers fans, Crow-Armstrong's dynamic play and the potential for a new MVP face could sway voters over Ohtani's two-way dominance.
    — Bernie Pleskoff, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2026
  • But the climate pattern is just bringing the potential for more snow.
    — Spencer Wilson, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of potential
Noun
  • Plan ample time before or after a treatment to make good use of the luxurious hot springs here, since this town’s world-famous mineral water is really the essence of your visit.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Aug. 2026
  • The scent wraps rose water, Damascena rose essence and absolute, and centifolia rose in soft, sweet notes of green almond, pink raspberry, and a touch of mauve violet.
    — Jenny Berg, Vogue, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of essence
Noun
  • With median monthly costs around $4,800 to buy versus $2,800 to rent, experts say disciplined renters can invest the difference and potentially reach homeownership — or long-term wealth — faster.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 19 Aug. 2026
  • And now, his wealth is taking him to the world of professional sports.
    — Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of wealth
Noun
  • Unitree's product lineup spans bipedal humanoid robots that can walk and manipulate objects with dexterous hands, as well as four-legged robots used for tasks such as hazard detection.
    — Jenny Lee, CNBC, 19 Aug. 2026
  • If the object is drifting through the field of view from left to right, place it on the far left to keep it in view for as long as possible.
    — Jamie Carter, Space.com, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of object
Noun
  • The group did not endorse Farrant or the other conservative candidates in Orange, and Farrant’s campaign materials did not mention her ties to the group, suggesting an awareness that Moms for Liberty’s messages might not play well in a blue county.
    — Steven Walker, The Orlando Sentinel, 23 Aug. 2026
  • The Elena unit generates both heat and electricity using thermoelectric materials rather than moving steam turbines.
    — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 23 Aug. 2026
Definition of material
Noun
  • The fewer than 200 attendees at last week’s semi-secret session in the museum’s intimate Clive Davis Theater had done a good job of helping keep the nature of the performance under wraps until now.
    — Chris Willman, Variety, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Game Changer is competitive by nature, but only a few of the players take that competition seriously.
    — Tasha Robinson, Vulture, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of nature
Noun
  • Dre in 2023 sold a collection of music income streams and other assets to Shamrock Holdings and Universal Music Group for more than $200 million.
    — Todd Spangler, Variety, 23 Aug. 2026
  • The national debt, at $40 trillion, is equivalent to almost 85% of all retirement assets in the United States.
    — John Towfighi, CNN Money, 23 Aug. 2026
Definition of assets
Noun
  • The entity has embarked on a vigorous program of experiences and other projects to introduce the legendary band to a new generation of fans.
    — K.J. Yossman, Variety, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Demon Hunter, a band that formed in 2000, has filed a lawsuit against Netflix and other entities associated with the production of KPop Demon Hunters.
    — Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of entity

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substance
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Cite this Entry

“Substance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/substance. Accessed 26 Aug. 2026.

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