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
Officer Fadil said the rapper had tested positive for illicit substances — including amphetamines, methamphetamine, ketamine, and THC — and he was remanded for two days before his release, per the outlet.
—
Becca Longmire, PEOPLE, 4 Nov. 2025
Sharing a series of photos documenting the painstaking process, the homeowner revealed layers of paint, tar, and other substances that had built up over the years.
—Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2025
Rich in Antioxidants Kiwis are a rich source of antioxidants, substances that protect cells from damage.
—Lauren O'Connor, Health, 3 Nov. 2025
This list includes hundreds of substances including formaldehyde, many flame retardants, heavy metals such as chromium and lead, bisphenols, and PFAS.
—Sophie Benson, Vogue, 30 Oct. 2025
His fans show up amped, things get loud, there’s rampant marijuana and other substances floating like confetti, and the entire place transforms into a full-on party.
—Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 30 Oct. 2025
Both substances have been linked to high risks of lung and gastrointestinal cancers.
—Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 30 Oct. 2025
The Car Keep a can of WD-40 in the garage to quickly remove sticky substances from car surfaces.
—Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Oct. 2025
Medications, substances and health conditions can all play a role.
—Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt, CNN Money, 26 Oct. 2025
Becca Longmire, PEOPLE, 4 Nov. 2025
Sharing a series of photos documenting the painstaking process, the homeowner revealed layers of paint, tar, and other substances that had built up over the years.
—Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2025
Rich in Antioxidants Kiwis are a rich source of antioxidants, substances that protect cells from damage.
—Lauren O'Connor, Health, 3 Nov. 2025
This list includes hundreds of substances including formaldehyde, many flame retardants, heavy metals such as chromium and lead, bisphenols, and PFAS.
—Sophie Benson, Vogue, 30 Oct. 2025
His fans show up amped, things get loud, there’s rampant marijuana and other substances floating like confetti, and the entire place transforms into a full-on party.
—Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 30 Oct. 2025
Both substances have been linked to high risks of lung and gastrointestinal cancers.
—Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 30 Oct. 2025
The Car Keep a can of WD-40 in the garage to quickly remove sticky substances from car surfaces.
—Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Oct. 2025
Medications, substances and health conditions can all play a role.
—Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt, CNN Money, 26 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for substances
Noun
-
Infused in cleansers, toners, and even essences, K-beauty’s exfoliating ingredients are often gentle and appear alongside hydrators to keep skin comfortable, while still delivering their brightening, smoothing, and resurfacing benefits.—
Deanna Pai,
Vogue,
14 Oct. 2025
-
The songs pack a wide range of elements into a single track, starting with rock, pop, soul, funk, dub, club music, and rap, plus various other essences, from singer-songwriter-like qualities to music originating from Japan’s internet like Vocaloid.—
Billboard Japan,
Billboard,
25 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Those who couldn’t abide all the delays and red tape have sold, in many cases for a fraction of what the land was worth, and in many cases to corporate entities.—
Vann R. Newkirk II,
The Atlantic,
10 Nov. 2025
-
Roosevelt’s creation of the new White House press quarters—off the main lobby of the then new West Wing—was a major leap forward in the relationship between the two entities.—
JSTOR Daily,
JSTOR Daily,
7 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
But, as Walken observes, there was strength in those natures that cemented the foundation of Anne and Jerry's relationships.—
Mekishana Pierre,
Entertainment Weekly,
17 Oct. 2025
-
The track seemed to play on Williams’ fandom for the music icon, while also drawing comparisons between their outspoken natures.—
Sophie Williams,
Billboard,
10 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Keep a distance from tall, isolated trees or other elevated objects.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
10 Nov. 2025
-
Each specimen’s unique characteristics reminded him of the patterns and patinas that distinguish the objects at the family’s haveli, or nobleman’s mansion, in the Pink City.—
Victoria Gomelsky,
Robb Report,
9 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Those on nine-month contracts must devote 480 hours to instruction — which can include things like lab work, clinical work and internships in addition to lecture time — over the course of the contract.—
Matthew Adams,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
8 Nov. 2025
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Because, in waking life, the truth is that things haven’t been the same since the strain of raising two young kids started to wear on their parents.—
David Ehrlich,
IndieWire,
7 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Chromakopia finds Tyler, the Creator grappling with the realities of adulthood, and takes on a distinctly narrative approach.—
Jeff Ihaza,
Rolling Stone,
7 Nov. 2025
-
The reporting seeks to confront the realities of racial injustice, reckon with their enduring effects, and preserve these narratives as part of America’s collective history.—
Nicole Fallert,
USA Today,
6 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Substances.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/substances. Accessed 21 Nov. 2025.
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