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 project involves building a massive platform over the sunken tracks, which will require substantial federal funding.
—
Justin Davidson, Curbed, 27 Feb. 2026
Hiring a tax service can involve substantial cost, and no provider can guarantee specific outcomes, as the IRS holds the final word.
—Deane Biermeier, USA Today, 27 Feb. 2026
Financial instability and substantial budget cuts have long been part of the district’s story.
—Sierra Lopez, Mercury News, 27 Feb. 2026
The company's lawyer, Paul Schmidt, said earlier this month that the core question in the case is whether the platforms were a substantial factor in Kayley's mental health struggles.
—CBS News, 26 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for substantial
Justin Davidson, Curbed, 27 Feb. 2026
Hiring a tax service can involve substantial cost, and no provider can guarantee specific outcomes, as the IRS holds the final word.
—Deane Biermeier, USA Today, 27 Feb. 2026
Financial instability and substantial budget cuts have long been part of the district’s story.
—Sierra Lopez, Mercury News, 27 Feb. 2026
The company's lawyer, Paul Schmidt, said earlier this month that the core question in the case is whether the platforms were a substantial factor in Kayley's mental health struggles.
—CBS News, 26 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for substantial
Recent Examples of Synonyms for substantial
Adjective
-
Outside the energy sector, prices for fertilizer and aluminum — both significant Gulf exports — could also surge due to shipping disruptions.—
semafor.com,
semafor.com,
3 Mar. 2026
-
That marked one of the most significant engagements between the two groups since a fragile ceasefire went into effect in November 2024, and Israel has not ruled out further action.—
Issy Ronald,
CNN Money,
2 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
The Greater Los Angeles area is home to the largest concentration of people of Iranian descent outside Iran.—
Matthew Ormseth,
Los Angeles Times,
2 Mar. 2026
-
Airlines canceled hundreds of flights in the Middle East, while others were diverted mid-flight amid airspace closures over a large area of the region due to security concerns.—
Nur Hikmah Md Ali,
CNBC,
2 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Due to its technical depth and flexibility across reactor types, the system captures physical changes such as density shifts, material aging, dimensional changes, and isotopic or chemical variations.—
Georgina Jedikovska,
Interesting Engineering,
27 Feb. 2026
-
Quality sleep is essential to physical health, mental clarity, and daily performance—yet the mattress, the foundation of good sleep, is often overlooked.—
Ethan M. Stone,
USA Today,
27 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
But taxing the rich, even those with considerable wealth, in the past has proved both attractive, at least at the outset, and complicated, at least politically.—
Michael Smolens,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
1 Mar. 2026
-
Naturally, the suspension of training and the closure of airspace are causing considerable stress and concern.—
Jackson Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
1 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
While industry prizes are known for offering emerging labels a path to scale, Gassanoff’s mission is not to grow the next major luxury house, with hundreds of stores.—
Lucy Maguire,
Vogue,
27 Feb. 2026
-
The exchange was the first major sign of progress in attempts by the United States and Jordan to broker a political settlement between the two sides.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
27 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
This contains a breakfast bar seating area, quartz countertops, a deep farmhouse-style sink, shelving, and generous cabinetry, including a sizable pantry.—
Adam Williams
March 01,
New Atlas,
1 Mar. 2026
-
The award is made possible by donations, including a sizable donation from Arvada resident Adam Stevinson.—
Kyle Newman,
Denver Post,
1 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
These are specialized, sheltered buildings or barns designed to provide warmth and protection from predators, with concrete floors allowing waste to fall into pits.—
Reader Commentary,
Baltimore Sun,
24 Feb. 2026
-
Recognizing the imminent danger, Fifield quickly jumped over the adjacent concrete barrier wall moments before the oncoming vehicle, a 2020 Ford Fusion, struck the rear of his patrol car.—
Post-Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
24 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
The gold-tone chain, pebbled finish, and stunning burgundy colorway will complement any outfit, while also keeping important belongings safe.—
Julia Morlino,
Travel + Leisure,
27 Feb. 2026
-
The battle pitted Ellison against Netflix, the industry’s biggest and most important player.—
David Goldman,
CNN Money,
27 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Substantial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/substantial. Accessed 3 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
