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
Allergies Allergies happen when your immune system overreacts to foreign substances, such as pollen, pet dander, or dust.
—
Lindsay Curtis, Health, 4 Sep. 2025
The process, called phototoxicity, happens when light-reactive chemicals from fragrances and other substances sit on the skin and are exposed to sunlight.
—Leslie Baumann, Miami Herald, 4 Sep. 2025
Since the 1940s, companies have been using PFAS – perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances – to make products easier to use, from Teflon nonstick pots to waterproof rain gear, stain-resistant carpet and firefighting foam.
—Jiameng Zheng, The Conversation, 4 Sep. 2025
Fentanyl is dangerous for many reasons, one of which is that it is often laced inside other drugs, with many recreational drug users accidentally consuming the other substances without knowing there's any fentanyl inside them.
—Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Sep. 2025
Biomarkers are substances such as proteins or genetic material that can be found in different parts of your body and can be detected via samples of your body tissues or fluids such as blood and urine.
—Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
Saltgator offers its own system-specific SoftGel material, although the company is quick to point out that the system is also compatible with substances such as soft PVC, two-part silicone, and dual-component polyurethane.
—New Atlas, 3 Sep. 2025
One of the most significant considerations before taking ACV is its interactions with other substances that can alter the effects of one or more of the substances.
—Sohaib Imtiaz, Verywell Health, 2 Sep. 2025
More troubling is that more drug dealers are cutting their fentanyl with other substances, which are resistant to Narcan, like the powerful sedative that authorities suspect was used in the free samples given out by a dealer or dealers in Penn North.
—Allan Culver, Baltimore Sun, 4 Aug. 2025
Lindsay Curtis, Health, 4 Sep. 2025
The process, called phototoxicity, happens when light-reactive chemicals from fragrances and other substances sit on the skin and are exposed to sunlight.
—Leslie Baumann, Miami Herald, 4 Sep. 2025
Since the 1940s, companies have been using PFAS – perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances – to make products easier to use, from Teflon nonstick pots to waterproof rain gear, stain-resistant carpet and firefighting foam.
—Jiameng Zheng, The Conversation, 4 Sep. 2025
Fentanyl is dangerous for many reasons, one of which is that it is often laced inside other drugs, with many recreational drug users accidentally consuming the other substances without knowing there's any fentanyl inside them.
—Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Sep. 2025
Biomarkers are substances such as proteins or genetic material that can be found in different parts of your body and can be detected via samples of your body tissues or fluids such as blood and urine.
—Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
Saltgator offers its own system-specific SoftGel material, although the company is quick to point out that the system is also compatible with substances such as soft PVC, two-part silicone, and dual-component polyurethane.
—New Atlas, 3 Sep. 2025
One of the most significant considerations before taking ACV is its interactions with other substances that can alter the effects of one or more of the substances.
—Sohaib Imtiaz, Verywell Health, 2 Sep. 2025
More troubling is that more drug dealers are cutting their fentanyl with other substances, which are resistant to Narcan, like the powerful sedative that authorities suspect was used in the free samples given out by a dealer or dealers in Penn North.
—Allan Culver, Baltimore Sun, 4 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for substances
Noun
-
Two million dollars of the funds used to protect Okefenokee came from the Holdfast Collective, a group of nonprofit entities that since 2022 has donated the profits generated by Patagonia to nonprofit groups fighting climate change.—
David Gelles,
Time,
9 Sep. 2025
-
Overnight, customers discovered that their formerly frisky bots had turned frigid, some morphing into befuddled entities who seemed to be suffering from brain injuries.—
Patricia Marx,
New Yorker,
8 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Each of the stars has been subjected to intense scientific scrutiny over recent decades, revealing fascinating insights into their diverse natures.—
Anthony Wood,
Space.com,
28 Aug. 2025
-
Tag fighting names are beloved for their chaotic natures, which see multiple characters popping normals, specials, or supers, and Invincible VS is no different.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
9 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
The Pixel’s Magic Editor leverages generative AI tools, which can remove objects in the background, alter lighting, and realistically change the entire mood of a phone (a bright middary sun can easily be compensated for).—
Ewan Spence,
Forbes.com,
8 Sep. 2025
-
Minor damage to outdoor objects is possible.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
7 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
If things do go long, Alcaraz will still back himself.—
Charlie Eccleshare,
New York Times,
6 Sep. 2025
-
But now, the King and the royal family have received very sad news that will change things going forward.—
Lizzie Lanuza,
StyleCaster,
5 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Saturn's energy will bring harsh realities into Aquarius' focus during the eclipse, which could motivate them to pursue financial freedom.—
Julia Gomez,
USA Today,
7 Sep. 2025
-
Yet this success story is tested by the realities of geography.—
Tom O'Connor,
MSNBC Newsweek,
7 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Substances.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/substances. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.
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