substantial

adjective

səb-ˈstan(t)-shəl How to pronounce substantial (audio)
Definition of substantialnext
1
as in significant
having great meaning or lasting effect substantial changes to the school dress code that made a lot of people unhappy

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in large
of a size greater than average of its kind the amount he inherited was quite substantial, so he quit his job and set out to see the world

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3
as in physical
relating to or composed of matter the Land of Oz turned out to be a world of dreams, even less substantial than a rainbow

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in considerable
sufficiently large in size, amount, or number to merit attention there's been a substantial increase in attendance at girls' volleyball games ever since the start of their winning streak

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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 substantial While retaining the distinctive tabi construction of its archival reference, the collaborative series introduces thicker bases and more substantial proportions to create a new expression. — Stephen Garner, Footwear News, 9 Oct. 2026 Shroff also said the debate produced no major gaffes or race-changing moments in a contest that has already attracted substantial national attention and spending. — Barnini Chakraborty, The Washington Examiner, 9 Oct. 2026 Drivers who regularly tow heavy trailers, venture far off pavement or need substantial ground clearance may be better served by an SUV or truck. — Chris Hardesty, AJC.com, 9 Oct. 2026 The pair prioritized elevated popcorn hits made by substantial filmmakers. — Matt Donnelly, Variety, 9 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for substantial
Recent Examples of Synonyms for substantial
  1. significant
  2. large
  3. physical
  4. considerable
  5. major
  6. sizable
  7. concrete
  8. important
Adjective
  • In addition, surprise guests — look out for a festival favorite that won a significant award at Cannes — are likely to be in the mix.
    — Damon Wise, Deadline, 10 Oct. 2026
  • That sense of community is also central to producer Chris Ferguson, whose Oddfellows banner has become a significant force in Vancouver’s independent film scene.
    — Katherine Brodsky, Variety, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of significant
Adjective
  • The owner of The Armoury, a four-unit men’s retailer with locations in New York and Hong Kong, has acquired his largest brand, named a new creative director and launched a second career as a pseudo real estate developer.
    — Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 12 Oct. 2026
  • The sink basins are large enough, however, the stopper (plug) at the sanitizer basin does not work and water continuously flows.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of large
Adjective
  • Apple Vision Pro proved particularly useful for judging the scale of sets before physical construction.
    — Davide Abbatescianni, Variety, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Since those moments Birmingham has occupied a central space in the physical and spiritual lineage of America's Civil Rights Movement.
    — Leslie Pariseau, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of physical
Adjective
  • But the fee puts considerable professional access within reach of people financing their own ambitions.
    — Philip Martin, Arkansas Online, 13 Oct. 2026
  • In Japan, this has meant not only a great deal of collusion between yakuza gangs and law enforcement but also considerable overlap between crime and politics—especially, though not exclusively, right-wing politics.
    — Ian Buruma, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of considerable
Adjective
  • The Category 3 storm has grown into a major hurricane, the first of an unusually quiet Atlantic season, and is expected to make landfall Friday night.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 10 Oct. 2026
  • Most major mergers are consummated after executives have dedicated months to quietly drafting detailed operational plans and organizational hierarchies.
    — Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of major
Adjective
  • At today's card rates, even a relatively modest balance can generate significant interest charges and require sizable payments each month.
    — Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 7 Oct. 2026
  • The drive and long front garden create a sizable safe space between the mansion and the road below.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of sizable
Adjective
  • How blades become cement ingredients and concrete reinforcement One useful material recovered from turbine blades is silica.
    — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 13 Oct. 2026
  • In 1957, Wright decided to use a state-of-the-art compound to seal the concrete facade, made of a material called gunite.
    — Wendy S. Walters, Architectural Digest, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of concrete
Adjective
  • However, the Georgia program remains an important step in establishing how the technology will work within real railway operations.
    — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 11 Oct. 2026
  • Between Fletcher’s corn dogs, some Deep Fried Fat, Texas/OU at the Texas State Fair remains in the top five of college sporting events, and this version of a rivalry that is so important to this region lived up to its stature.
    — Mac Engel October 10, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 Oct. 2026
Definition of important

Browse Nearby Words

substandard
substantial
substantiality
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Cite this Entry

“Substantial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/substantial. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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