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 Jordan Addison has been suspended for the first three games of the season for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy, Rondale Moore is out for the season, and Justin Jefferson has also been dealing with a nagging injury. James Brizuela, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Aug. 2025 Schaffer’s probation terms included no violent contact with the victim and an order to receive domestic violence and substance abuse evaluations. Nathan Pilling, Kansas City Star, 12 Aug. 2025 Other countries believe taxing rights should be based on economic substance and value creation, and some countries are unsure if third countries should receive these taxing rights. Nana Ama Sarfo, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2025 The compound 7-OH is a naturally occurring substance in the kratom plant (Mitragyna speciosa), according to the FDA, but only a minor component comprising less than 2% of the alkaloid content in natural kratom leaves. Natalie Neysa Alund, USA Today, 31 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for substance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for substance
Noun
  • This dual-track model has the potential to not only strengthen the child-parent bond but also shorten the duration of therapy and improve long-term resilience.
    Nia Bowers, USA Today, 20 Aug. 2025
  • The relatively elevated valuation of MU stock limits its upside potential in the near to mid-term.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Overall, the performances from these past two days captured the essence of breaking about as well as possible given the context.
    Jason Pu, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2025
  • In essence, the proposals involve Kyiv surrendering territory in the Donbas region of eastern Ukraine, in exchange for a ceasefire, an idea the Ukrainian leadership has firmly ruled out.
    Matthew Chance, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • As more women business owners like Brown conquer their version of Heartbreak Hill, the impact ripples outward—through jobs created, neighborhoods revitalized, and wealth built over generations.
    Geri Stengel, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2025
  • Cincinnati’s local television stations have had a wealth of memorable newscasters and hosts over the years, from pioneers in the industry to one of the most famous names on TV.
    Jeff Suess, Cincinnati Enquirer, 12 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • The illusion comes from how our brains interpret visual cues, especially when comparing the moon to nearby objects like trees or buildings.
    Daisy Dobrijevic, Space.com, 8 Aug. 2025
  • Another spectator was reportedly hit by the object.
    Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 8 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • 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.
    Katy Henriksen, Arkansas Online, 21 Aug. 2025
  • In the United States, it is used in medical devices and measurement gauges, such as industrial devices that measure the thickness of materials.
    Cheryl V. Jackson, IndyStar, 21 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Serena and Leah comfort her and talk about their own experiences with death and the nonlinear nature of grief.
    Olivia Crandall, Vulture, 22 Aug. 2025
  • The suite’s interiors reflect the nature on the doorstep, with a soothing color palette of earthy browns, soft taupes and warm greens.
    Angelina Villa-Clarke, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 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
  • Any entities working in weather modification must report all activities to NOAA under the Weather Modification Reporting Act.
    Hayleigh Evans, AZCentral.com, 17 Aug. 2025
  • The principle recognizes the legal rights of natural entities, such as rivers, mountains, ecosystems or even something as specific as wild rice.
    Dana Zartner, Space.com, 17 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Substance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/substance. Accessed 25 Aug. 2025.

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