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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Instead, Zimbardi allegedly put more than $34 million into risky foreign currency trades and lost a substantial amount of it. — Zachary Bynum, CBS News, 17 Aug. 2026 Nor has the show disappeared in a corporate bloodbath, despite substantial ownership changes at its parent company. — Paula Mejía, New Yorker, 17 Aug. 2026 The plan is suited to users who need substantial space for photos, videos, work files, and backups without additional recurring payments. — Stackcommerce Team, PC Magazine, 17 Aug. 2026 Storms pulverized the southeast metro area with heavy rain and substantial hail. — Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 17 Aug. 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 the years after the Covid-19 pandemic, San Francisco saw a significant population decline, losing more than 60,000 residents between 2020 and 2022, according to US Census data.
    — Samantha Delouya, CNN Money, 17 Aug. 2026
  • The Army's most significant response has been the Future Soldier Preparatory Course, a pre-basic training program primarily at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, for recruits who narrowly miss academic or body-fat standards.
    — Steven Beynon, ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of significant
Adjective
  • Beyond the possibility of romance, these sessions tap into a larger need for connection.
    — Kaitlyn Harvey, AJC.com, 17 Aug. 2026
  • In June, SpaceX had the largest IPO in history, creating multimillion-dollar windfalls for some longtime employees.
    — Samantha Delouya, CNN Money, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of large
Adjective
  • But the curve seems to settle at around 33, where even the most experienced of centre-backs lose appeal due to a drop-off in their physical capabilities and pace.
    — Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Businesses and nonprofits may borrow up to $2 million to cover physical damages and may also qualify for loans to help cover financial losses resulting from the bad weather.
    — Mike Danahey, Chicago Tribune, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of physical
Adjective
  • In retrospect, the accusation may contain no truth, some truth, or considerable truth.
    — Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Severe thunderstorms are possible from Tuesday afternoon into the overnight hours, but forecasters say there is considerable uncertainty about when and where storms will develop.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of considerable
Adjective
  • Investors have increasingly scrutinized the chipmaker’s expanding financial ties with major AI customers.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 15 Aug. 2026
  • That ironic reality may await passengers on KLM’s new Amsterdam-Toronto route this fall, among other major carriers.
    — Edward Russell, CNN Money, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of major
Adjective
  • Access to footage requires a sizable payment, disclosure of the project’s editorial purpose, legal review, and approval before material can be released.
    — Addie Morfoot, IndieWire, 14 Aug. 2026
  • First introduced in 1988, the Omega Speedmaster Reduced took the Speedmaster Professional — which comes in a sizable 42mm case sizing — and slimmed it down to a chill 39mm.
    — Tres Dean, Los Angeles Times, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of sizable
Adjective
  • There’s a symmetry despite all four stands having a different design, ranging from the concrete pillars of the Bramall Lane end to the much smoother lines seen along the John Street Stand.
    — Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Pakistan has expressed optimism that Washington and Tehran could reach an accord, but Torres said markets were still waiting for concrete progress.
    — Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of concrete
Adjective
  • Ironically, the authority of doctors was supremely important to medieval people, even if the treatments seem barbaric and ineffective now.
    — T.M. Brown, CNN Money, 16 Aug. 2026
  • That choice was to keep him fresh for the more important league game on the weekend.
    — Thom Harris, New York Times, 16 Aug. 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 19 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on substantial

Nglish: Translation of substantial for Spanish Speakers

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