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
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
The trade deal with the EU, formalized as a framework agreement in August, could represent a more substantial adjustment.
—
Jennifer Kavanagh, Foreign Affairs, 30 Sep. 2025
The amount of capital and infrastructure and training required to make such a move is, in a word, substantial.
—Andrew Nusca, Fortune, 30 Sep. 2025
Eliminating capital gains taxes on home sales would primarily benefit the 29 million homeowners who already have substantial equity – a group that skews heavily white, male and upper middle class.
—Beverly Moran, The Conversation, 29 Sep. 2025
The technique promises substantial environmental and economic benefits compared with traditional recycling methods.
—Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 29 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for substantial
Jennifer Kavanagh, Foreign Affairs, 30 Sep. 2025
The amount of capital and infrastructure and training required to make such a move is, in a word, substantial.
—Andrew Nusca, Fortune, 30 Sep. 2025
Eliminating capital gains taxes on home sales would primarily benefit the 29 million homeowners who already have substantial equity – a group that skews heavily white, male and upper middle class.
—Beverly Moran, The Conversation, 29 Sep. 2025
The technique promises substantial environmental and economic benefits compared with traditional recycling methods.
—Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 29 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for substantial
Recent Examples of Synonyms for substantial
Adjective
-
Tribal nations report no immediate significant effects on services like healthcare and education.—
Frank Vaisvilas,
jsonline.com,
3 Oct. 2025
-
So then the woman tried calling out to other significant names in her life.—
Maggie Menderski,
Louisville Courier Journal,
3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
The company also announced plans to close its Kent and Everett locations as part of a larger decision to shut down 60 stores over the next 18 months.—
Suzanne Blake,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 Oct. 2025
-
The stylus itself is a bit larger and more rounded than before, snaps to the tablet magnetically, and supports replacement tips.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
1 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Green Hill plans to help restart Smith Springs financially, provide manpower for physical work and could potentially have some of its congregants move to Smith Springs Baptist, officials said.—
Andy Humbles,
Nashville Tennessean,
6 Oct. 2025
-
Harbaugh wants to be a physical team.—
Daniel Popper,
New York Times,
6 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
The Kremlin’s influence has been considerable in Moldova.—
John E. Herbst,
Time,
4 Oct. 2025
-
The Swamp re-opened in 2022 after having to move from its original building of 25 years, which was purchased and razed (to considerable local outrage); its spirit lives on in the new location just four minutes away from the first.—
Skye Sherman,
Southern Living,
3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Hernández’s issues in right field are well-documented, and the Dodgers already had to overcome one major miscue this postseason during Game 2 of the Wild Card Series.—
Charlotte Varnes,
New York Times,
5 Oct. 2025
-
Here's your daily look at traffic on major highways in the Kansas City area.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
4 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Yet those football sackings ate up 28 per cent of their wage bill savings, and came at a time when the club is still incurring the costs of its sizeable downsizing.—
Chris Weatherspoon,
New York Times,
1 Oct. 2025
-
Team owners are expecting a sizable bump on the next deal, which would kick in after the 2027-28 season.—
Kurt Badenhausen,
Sportico.com,
1 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
The sign — fixed high on the outside wall of the black and red painted concrete block building — was to be removed before demolition and donated to the Wisconsin Black Historical Society/ Museum under the requirements of the demolition contract.—
Mary Spicuzza,
jsonline.com,
6 Oct. 2025
-
The room had cinderblock walls, a concrete slab floor and two rows of about 10 cages that were raised about waist high, each containing a chimpanzee in a near-frenzied state, hooting and shaking his or her metal enclosure.—
Ron Arias,
PEOPLE,
5 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Tire tread depth - Checking your tire tread before hitting the road is important, as low or no tread can lead to sliding.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
5 Oct. 2025
-
None is more important than quarterback Lamar Jackson.—
Jacob Camenker,
USA Today,
5 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Substantial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/substantial. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share