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
Physica described the healing properties of plants, animal substances, and earthly elements.
—
Literary Hub, 18 Mar. 2026
Proponents raised health concerns about exposure to pollutants and hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, which injects water, chemicals and other substances underground to break through rocks to extract the minerals.
—Judith Kohler, Denver Post, 18 Mar. 2026
Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, are a class of about 15,000 synthetic chemicals commonly used in products such as clothing, nonstick cookware, firefighting foams, food packaging, carpets, cleaning products, paints, and stain and water repellents.
—Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 17 Mar. 2026
Angiotensin can constrict blood flow, prompt people to increase salt and water intake, and retain more of those substances in their kidneys.
—Tara Haelle, Scientific American, 17 Mar. 2026
Store it in a separate container for easy access, but never reuse water that’s been in contact with bodily waste or harmful substances.
—Claire Osborn, Austin American Statesman, 17 Mar. 2026
Voters approved Proposition 122, leading to the state’s decriminalization of personal possession, cultivation and sharing of certain natural psychedelic substances.
—David Kroll, The Conversation, 17 Mar. 2026
It also can’t be combined with some substances.
—Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 15 Mar. 2026
How would clinicians safely prescribe substances that change our perceptions, thoughts, and moods?
—Clayton Dalton, New Yorker, 13 Mar. 2026
Literary Hub, 18 Mar. 2026
Proponents raised health concerns about exposure to pollutants and hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, which injects water, chemicals and other substances underground to break through rocks to extract the minerals.
—Judith Kohler, Denver Post, 18 Mar. 2026
Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, are a class of about 15,000 synthetic chemicals commonly used in products such as clothing, nonstick cookware, firefighting foams, food packaging, carpets, cleaning products, paints, and stain and water repellents.
—Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 17 Mar. 2026
Angiotensin can constrict blood flow, prompt people to increase salt and water intake, and retain more of those substances in their kidneys.
—Tara Haelle, Scientific American, 17 Mar. 2026
Store it in a separate container for easy access, but never reuse water that’s been in contact with bodily waste or harmful substances.
—Claire Osborn, Austin American Statesman, 17 Mar. 2026
Voters approved Proposition 122, leading to the state’s decriminalization of personal possession, cultivation and sharing of certain natural psychedelic substances.
—David Kroll, The Conversation, 17 Mar. 2026
It also can’t be combined with some substances.
—Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 15 Mar. 2026
How would clinicians safely prescribe substances that change our perceptions, thoughts, and moods?
—Clayton Dalton, New Yorker, 13 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for substances
Noun
-
Getz agrees, describing essences as the foundation of proper hydration.—
Conçetta Ciarlo,
Vogue,
6 Mar. 2026
-
Korean scalp treatments often come in lightweight, fast-absorbing liquids, essences, or refreshing tonics designed to be massaged directly into the scalp without leaving hair greasy or weighed down.—
Christa Joanna Lee,
Allure,
24 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The office confirmed the vendor used was approved and had worked with other local entities and law enforcement agencies, including the Capitol Police.—
J.D. Miles,
CBS News,
17 Mar. 2026
-
The estate, which is run by Ferreira’s son, Antonio Carlos Ferreira Lima, licenses—for pay—the photograph for use by various entities.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
16 Mar. 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
-
While a new museum for its display is being built in Jerusalem, a selection of objects has traveled to the United States for the first time.—
Sarah Kozlowski,
Dallas Morning News,
21 Mar. 2026
-
Google's Pixel phones, for example, have leaned heavily into AI photography with tools that remove objects, adjust lighting and generate backgrounds.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
20 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
That changes things up for Diabate.—
Roderick Boone,
Charlotte Observer,
18 Mar. 2026
-
Share credit, set boundaries around your time and money, and keep things grounded with an open list of your goals.—
Tarot.com,
Chicago Tribune,
18 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Although their material realities stand in direct opposition to one another, Lola feels an immediate affinity for her lanky suitor.—
Carlos Aguilar,
IndieWire,
20 Mar. 2026
-
Exhibitors were candid about market realities.—
Mayu Saini,
Sourcing Journal,
20 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Substances.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/substances. Accessed 24 Mar. 2026.
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