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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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 India’s major container gateways are moving substantial volumes as more merchandise floods out of the country. — Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 2 Oct. 2026 There is a quiet yearning to know himself—to find for himself a more substantial backstory and sense of belonging—in what Shimoda pieces together. — Literary Hub, 2 Oct. 2026 Selling a business, real estate or another appreciated asset can produce a substantial capital gains tax liability. — D. Scott Kenik, Forbes.com, 2 Oct. 2026 And its economy, while substantial, isn’t as diversified as that of some larger countries. — John Timmer, ArsTechnica, 2 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
  • Its compact design puts significant emphasis on accurate pointing without adding substantial mass.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 3 Oct. 2026
  • Despite the hype, China’s AI sector faces some significant constraints on its growth.
    — Nicholas Gordon, Fortune, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of significant
Adjective
  • Hence, a turbine operating hundreds of meters above the ground has access to a larger and potentially more reliable energy resource than a conventional turbine.
    — Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 5 Oct. 2026
  • Meanwhile, the proliferation of large new data centers is rivaling inflation and the Iran war as midterm political issues--and, like them, is hurting the Republicans.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of large
Adjective
  • Sometimes there isn’t enough time, mental, emotional, or physical capacity to take on another commitment, and that’s okay, too.
    — Jasmine Johnson, CNBC, 29 Sep. 2026
  • Rather than simply detecting physical obstacles, the system distinguishes between different types of messes and household objects to optimize cleaning strategies.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of physical
Adjective
  • Fall’s brisk weather brings with it the promise of cozy knitwear, cashmere socks, and roaring fires—perhaps the only downside is that the grey skies exacerbate the our considerable vitamin D deficiency.
    — Violet Hayward, Vogue, 28 Sep. 2026
  • SpaceX has considerable experience in this regard, having flown 20 astronaut missions aboard its Crew Dragon capsule to date.
    — Mike Wall, Space.com, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of considerable
Adjective
  • Wildfires encroached on major European cities, a once unthinkable threat.
    — Justin Worland, Time, 3 Oct. 2026
  • These five rising, behind-the-scenes maestros have worked on major hits for such likely 2027 contenders as Noah Kahan, Ariana Grande and Rosalía — and could be first-time nominees in the category.
    — Andrew Unterberger, Billboard, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of major
Adjective
  • In addition to couture, the designer has created a sizable bridal business through her gowns.
    — Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 30 Sep. 2026
  • With a solid Intel Core 7 processor, everyday productivity tasks will run smoothly, and the sizable screen is great for video streaming.
    — K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 30 Sep. 2026
Definition of sizable
Adjective
  • The spa Like the rest of the hotel, the spa has an urban futuristic feel with concrete, hardwood, and fluorescent lighting.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Sep. 2026
  • The room is dimly lighted but for yellow and red string lights that produce radiant, shimmying splotches on the concrete floor.
    — Deborah Vankin, Los Angeles Times, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of concrete
Adjective
  • While a push east for Marib would get the Houthis the most resources, a southern push appears to be more strategically important for the time being.
    — Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 4 Oct. 2026
  • For decades, the European Union has led the world in implementing policies designed to cut emissions, creating the world’s most important price on carbon and crafting the rules of the road for a wide range of regulatory efforts.
    — Justin Worland, Time, 3 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 5 Oct. 2026.

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