1
as in significant
having great meaning or lasting effect
substantial changes to the school dress code that made a lot of people unhappy
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of substantial
But the Hawks made their move through subtle-yet-substantial personnel moves.
—
Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 11 Apr. 2026
The ship suffered substantial damage, and the Reagan administration retaliated by damaging or sinking three Iranian warships and three oil platforms, drastically reducing Tehran’s ability to engage in the gulf.
—Dalia Abdelwahab, CNN Money, 11 Apr. 2026
Young Sherlock joins several other new hourlong shows with substantial dramatic quotient that also are being submitted as comedies this year.
—Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 10 Apr. 2026
Trading commodities, futures, and options involves a substantial risk of loss.
—Usa Today, USA Today, 10 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for substantial
Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 11 Apr. 2026
The ship suffered substantial damage, and the Reagan administration retaliated by damaging or sinking three Iranian warships and three oil platforms, drastically reducing Tehran’s ability to engage in the gulf.
—Dalia Abdelwahab, CNN Money, 11 Apr. 2026
Young Sherlock joins several other new hourlong shows with substantial dramatic quotient that also are being submitted as comedies this year.
—Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 10 Apr. 2026
Trading commodities, futures, and options involves a substantial risk of loss.
—Usa Today, USA Today, 10 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for substantial
Recent Examples of Synonyms for substantial
Adjective
-
However, significant barriers to entry remain, with access to both club and international matches highly limited.—
Jacob Whitehead,
New York Times,
21 Apr. 2026
-
The revision goes into effect just days after one of the most significant recent rulings in the restitution space.—
Jackie Hajdenberg,
Sun Sentinel,
20 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Maine lawmakers this week approved a moratorium on data centers larger than 20 megawatts — the first statewide ban of its kind in the country.—
Kevin Hardy,
Baltimore Sun,
20 Apr. 2026
-
Consultancy Greysparks highlighted that more than 81% of private credit assets under management sit at firms that also run private equity funds, underscoring how concentrated the market is among large private capital managers.—
Lee Ying Shan,
CNBC,
20 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
His physical attributes caught the attention of the Ravens’ front office and scouts, but his relationship with Heap helped drive his quality of character home.—
Haley Sawyer,
Oc Register,
25 Apr. 2026
-
Both Ponds and Glenn were undersized cornerbacks who both love to get physical.—
Antwan Staley,
New York Daily News,
25 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Nevertheless, your powers of insight and persuasion in conversations with others will be considerable.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
19 Apr. 2026
-
Young is a multi-hyphenate artist who commands considerable celebrity.—
Chris Jones,
Chicago Tribune,
19 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
This is a boom-or-bust pick, as Banks has some of the highest pass-rushing upside in the draft but major injury concerns.—
Parker Gabriel,
Denver Post,
24 Apr. 2026
-
Mike Florio and Chris Simms discuss some of the top storylines heading into the 2026 NFL draft and explain why this year likely won’t have a major story like the slide of Shedeur Sanders.—
Andrew Greif,
NBC news,
24 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
While winemakers are leaning into narratives and experiences to attract this sizeable demographic, real estate developers are using wine to court high-income members of the generation.—
Mike DeSimone,
Robb Report,
19 Apr. 2026
-
Jeff Bezos' space company just notched a big reusability milestone — but also suffered a sizable setback.—
Josh Dinner,
Space.com,
19 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
This was the only concrete social change in Iran, and there has been improvement; city by city, women have been going to stadiums.—
Jacob Whitehead,
New York Times,
21 Apr. 2026
-
The car was traveling at 116 mph when Riley lost control on a curve and slammed into a concrete wall on Seabreeze Boulevard.—
Rafael Olmeda,
Sun Sentinel,
21 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
While the handling of the outburst by BAFTA and the BBC wasn’t ideal for anyone involved, the outrage and fallout from the event shows that Davidson’s lifelong mission to educate the wider population about Tourette syndrome is ongoing, and so important.—
Katie Walsh,
Boston Herald,
24 Apr. 2026
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Continuing the momentum with frequent Artemis launches is important to maintain support for the program.—
Thomas Black,
Mercury News,
24 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Substantial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/substantial. Accessed 25 Apr. 2026.
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