1
as in essences
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
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2
as in entities
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
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Recent Examples of substances
Speaking at Semafor World Economy in Washington, DC, on Thursday, Zeldin said current regulatory authority on PFAS, or perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, wasn’t set up to make sure polluters pay the cost for cleaning up waterways instead of the ratepayers.
—
Colin Campbell, semafor.com, 16 Apr. 2026
Under President Biden, the FDA added nearly 20 peptides to the federal list of substances that should not be produced by compounding pharmacies — businesses that mix medications that aren’t available from drugmakers.
—Matthew Perrone, Los Angeles Times, 16 Apr. 2026
All of the substances are just a cope trying to feel neurotypical while being in public, but obviously that isn’t a real solution.
—Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 16 Apr. 2026
The list includes unproven substances that have become increasingly popular among wellness influencers and athletes.
—Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 15 Apr. 2026
Under President Joe Biden, the FDA added nearly 20 peptides to the federal list of substances that should not be produced by compounding pharmacies — businesses that mix medications that aren't available from drugmakers.
—CBS News, 15 Apr. 2026
Authorities said the materials were discovered after the scientist initially denied carrying biological substances.
—Michael Dorgan, FOXNews.com, 15 Apr. 2026
But this trend could be threatened by a changing drug landscape, as gangs and cartels shift to producing synthetic substances with industrial chemicals.
—Brittney Melton, NPR, 15 Apr. 2026
The work focuses on van der Waals materials, a class of ultra-thin substances known for their exceptional optical and electronic properties.
—Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 13 Apr. 2026
Colin Campbell, semafor.com, 16 Apr. 2026
Under President Biden, the FDA added nearly 20 peptides to the federal list of substances that should not be produced by compounding pharmacies — businesses that mix medications that aren’t available from drugmakers.
—Matthew Perrone, Los Angeles Times, 16 Apr. 2026
All of the substances are just a cope trying to feel neurotypical while being in public, but obviously that isn’t a real solution.
—Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 16 Apr. 2026
The list includes unproven substances that have become increasingly popular among wellness influencers and athletes.
—Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 15 Apr. 2026
Under President Joe Biden, the FDA added nearly 20 peptides to the federal list of substances that should not be produced by compounding pharmacies — businesses that mix medications that aren't available from drugmakers.
—CBS News, 15 Apr. 2026
Authorities said the materials were discovered after the scientist initially denied carrying biological substances.
—Michael Dorgan, FOXNews.com, 15 Apr. 2026
But this trend could be threatened by a changing drug landscape, as gangs and cartels shift to producing synthetic substances with industrial chemicals.
—Brittney Melton, NPR, 15 Apr. 2026
The work focuses on van der Waals materials, a class of ultra-thin substances known for their exceptional optical and electronic properties.
—Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 13 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for substances
Noun
-
Many imitation almond extracts or essences rely on synthetic benzaldehyde for flavor, which can create saccharine notes that overpower delicate desserts like custards, sponges, or pastry creams.—
Emily Saladino,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
9 Apr. 2026
-
Store shelves are packed with serums, toners, essences and exfoliants — all promising transformative results.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
7 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Conferences are private entities and, as such, employment matters are governed by the federal National Labor Relations Act, making that idea at least theoretically possible.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
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
Noun
-
But Lau wonders whether Horses will be able to avoid conflict, due to their inherent independent natures.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
10 Feb. 2026
-
Hval’s restless melodies and at-times Proustian lyrics trail cigarette smoke or the fragrance of roses toward litanies of memory, all the while deconstructing the very natures of stage performance, recording technology, and digital existence.—
Jenn Pelly,
Time,
4 Dec. 2025
Noun
-
Art What to call objects that bespeak both the three-dimensionality of sculpture and the surface drama of painting?—
Vince Aletti,
New Yorker,
17 Apr. 2026
-
However, the researchers clarify that this principle applies only to objects with mass and to signals that carry energy or information.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
17 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Confirm timing, assign ownership, and keep things clear.—
Tarot.com,
New York Daily News,
22 Apr. 2026
-
But things got wild when the robot started break dancing and bashing itself into a million robotic pieces.—
Matt Reigle OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
21 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The show also distinguished itself in its willingness to tackle complex social and existential realities.—
Jean Garnett,
New Yorker,
18 Apr. 2026
-
Critical chokepoints such as the Strait of Hormuz highlight the realities these systems must navigate.—
Angela Chitkara,
Fortune,
17 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Substances.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/substances. Accessed 23 Apr. 2026.
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