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 That leaves substance abuse counselor Mary Zheng and physical education coach Mitch Guerra. Ross Raihala, Twin Cities, 8 May 2025 Most people learn from a bad outcome and don't do it again, but someone with a substance use disorder continues to do that action. ArsTechnica, 8 May 2025 By essentially wearing this waxy substance on their own bodies, the crickets reduce ant aggression and are accepted by the ants as a nest-mate, according to the study. Lauren Liebhaber, Miami Herald, 7 May 2025 Other reasons for authorization can include: Drugs with special monitoring requirements Certain dosages or forms of a medication Controlled substances, and Drugs that may interact with other drugs. Diane Omdahl, Forbes.com, 6 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for substance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for substance
Noun
  • Rising in North Bay Village, Shoma Bay has the potential to enhance the neighborhood as one of Miami’s prominent waterfront destinations.
    Nia Bowers, USA Today, 16 May 2025
  • More recently, however, enterprises have begun to see the potential of this medium, particularly as quality has improved.
    David Prosser, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025
Noun
  • La Pinta, the expedition yacht There is simply no better way to get to the heart of Galápagos’ true magic and essence than aboard a ship—and none is better equipped for that task than La Pinta.
    Duncan Madden, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025
  • Each formula is powered by the nourishing properties of guava fruit essence and Kakadu plum extract—two superfruits rich in vitamins A and C, known to support scalp health, restore hydration, and help prevent breakage.
    Essence, Essence, 13 May 2025
Noun
  • Trump welcomes white South Africans as other refugees are halted Although apartheid rule ended long ago, the typical Black South African household has just 5% of the wealth of the typical White household, according to a 2024 study by researchers at The Africa Institute and the University of Zambia.
    Joey Garrison, USA Today, 22 May 2025
  • This age gap, combined with wealth and influence, created a significant power imbalance.
    Lauren Hersh, New York Daily News, 21 May 2025
Noun
  • New safety features include 3D Around-View Monitor with moving object detection on the Luxe and higher models.
    Ed Garsten, Forbes.com, 19 May 2025
  • Later regressions often coincide with major developmental milestones—like crawling, standing, or understanding object permanence—as well as discomfort from teething.
    Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 May 2025
Noun
  • Intended for both slim and puffy outerwear, the new material prevents the conglomeration of fibers and pushes the sustainability envelope further as it is entirely crafted from recycled fibers derived from post-consumer PET bottles.
    Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 16 May 2025
  • The items were pulled from shelves due to potential health and safety risks, including Listeria concerns, undeclared allergens, foreign material contamination, and a sterility issue in eye care products.
    Jenna Anderson, Health, 16 May 2025
Noun
  • If your ideal unplugged getaway involves both spa time and being surrounded by nature, there's a perfect spot in southwest Virginia.
    Heather Bien, Southern Living, 17 May 2025
  • Gobel attributed his success to compensating for what nature didn’t give him and to luck.
    Richard Selcer, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 May 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
  • Meanwhile, commercial entities collect vast amounts of consumer and health-related behavior data with little to no meaningful consent.
    Mika Newton, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025
  • The Emoluments Clause of the Constitution bars people who hold federal office from accepting gifts from foreign entities without Congress' approval.
    Sonam Sheth, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Substance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/substance. Accessed 24 May. 2025.

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