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

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

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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

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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 While theatrical distribution has gotten substantial attention as Paramount has sought regulatory approval for the WBD acquisition, much less focus has been paid to cable distribution, a sector of the industry that has been in decline. — Ted Johnson, Deadline, 13 July 2026 View gallery - 7 images With its substantial size and lack of wheels or trailer, the Evergreen XL isn't a good fit for would-be nomads. — Adam Williams july 12, New Atlas, 13 July 2026 According to Counterpoint, this substantial drop brings smartphone shipments to their lowest second-quarter level since 2013. — Ryan Whitwam, ArsTechnica, 13 July 2026 In the move, a company will restructure, dividing itself into two or more distinct entities, and then transfer valuable assets to one entity, leaving the other with substantial liabilities. — Darin Oswald, Idaho Statesman, 13 July 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
  • That’s reigniting age-old feuds about production quotas that already led the United Arab Emirates, one of OPEC’s most significant members, to leave the group in April.
    — David Goldman, CNN Money, 6 July 2026
  • It is recommended that any batteries in devices that will be stored for significant periods should undergo a maintenance routine to maintain their health by charging them to half capacity every six months.
    — Ewan Spence, Forbes.com, 6 July 2026
Definition of significant
Adjective
  • The Hyundai Motor Company used one of the world’s largest sporting stages to showcase its robotics ambitions.
    — Clemente Lisi, Forbes.com, 6 July 2026
  • A number of Russian regions have banned the use of large canisters that hold around five gallons to prevent fuel hoarding.
    — Clare Sebastian, CNN Money, 6 July 2026
Definition of large
Adjective
  • One way to begin is with the mental and physical reset provided by the Crossings Ceremony, the most recent addition to Miraval Austin’s Life in Balance Spa offerings.
    — Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 16 July 2026
  • Only people whose physical condition prevents them from doing so would be allowed to receive assistance from a doctor or a nurse.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 15 July 2026
Definition of physical
Adjective
  • The outlay is considerable for a player of his age, whose truly best years may well be behind him.
    — Patrick Boyland, New York Times, 14 July 2026
  • Huby has shown considerable skill in working with European space officials to emerge as a leading contender to build a crew vehicle at a time when leaders there have made their desire for one clear.
    — Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 13 July 2026
Definition of considerable
Adjective
  • Apple leveled major allegations against OpenAI and some of its staffers Friday, alleging the ChatGPT maker systematically directed current and former Apple employees to bring secret information over to OpenAI.
    — Reed Albergotti, semafor.com, 11 July 2026
  • The discovery of the buckling columns launched a major effort to shore up — or reinforce — the building’s weakest points, with crews using emergency jacks and installing new steel supports.
    — Gloria Pazmino, CNN Money, 11 July 2026
Definition of major
Adjective
  • Both seasons saw the casting of unknowns to a sizable degree; actors, comedians, and improvisers who have not previously been in the spotlight united in a remarkably convincing and cohesive ensemble performance.
    — Emily Maskell, IndieWire, 10 July 2026
  • There are a lot of action sequences where Moana and Maui have to get themselves out of harrowing situations, including a fairly sizable lava monster that might freak out really little children.
    — Brian Truitt, USA Today, 9 July 2026
Definition of sizable
Adjective
  • The only concrete evidence of fraud was buried in a separate document HHS issued last month, explains Sabrina Corlette, co-director of Georgetown University’s Center on Health Insurance Reforms.
    — Lisa Jarvis, Mercury News, 15 July 2026
  • The villa, with its rough concrete structure and minimalist elements, boasts postcard views of the French city’s namesake bay—not quite São Paolo, but certainly a good jumping-off point.
    — Annabelle Dufraigne, Architectural Digest, 14 July 2026
Definition of concrete
Adjective
  • This was one of those times as Miami hosted the biggest, most important of the seven World Cup soccer matches South Florida was gifted -- the jewel.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 12 July 2026
  • Both are already chairmen of other important committees, though.
    — Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 12 July 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 16 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of substantial for Spanish Speakers

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