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 after-midnight alcohol sales permit, requiring certain venues to pay substantial fees for additional police presence, further exacerbated these challenges, with some businesses paying up to $12,000 monthly, consuming their entire profit margins.
—
Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 May 2025
Deng similarly boasts substantial industry experience, notably through his tenure at e-commerce giant Newegg.
—Jon Stojan, USA Today, 13 May 2025
The lot of the property covers a substantial area of 8,400 square feet.
—Bay Area Home Report, Mercury News, 13 May 2025
The substantial increase is partially due to new criteria, NPR reported; earlier studies used criteria from the now-outdated DSM-4.
—Rachel Raposas, People.com, 13 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for substantial
Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 May 2025
Deng similarly boasts substantial industry experience, notably through his tenure at e-commerce giant Newegg.
—Jon Stojan, USA Today, 13 May 2025
The lot of the property covers a substantial area of 8,400 square feet.
—Bay Area Home Report, Mercury News, 13 May 2025
The substantial increase is partially due to new criteria, NPR reported; earlier studies used criteria from the now-outdated DSM-4.
—Rachel Raposas, People.com, 13 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for substantial
Recent Examples of Synonyms for substantial
Adjective
-
While reports differ as to whether costs are rising or falling in recent years, college tuition is still a significant expense, even with financial aid and scholarships.—
True Tamplin,
Forbes.com,
10 May 2025
-
The construction is intended to stymie the spread of invasive carp, which could pose a significant threat to the Great Lakes region’s native species, ecosystems and billion-dollar fishing and boating industries.—
Olivia Olander,
Chicago Tribune,
10 May 2025
Adjective
-
Of the largest companies – those with 20,000 or more employees – 70% cover IVF.—
Madeline Mitchell,
USA Today,
18 May 2025
-
The Redditor described living in a large suburban community surrounded by woods, where wildlife like foxes and bears are common.—
Ashley Vega,
People.com,
18 May 2025
Adjective
-
In this new role, Lindsey will lead the strategic design and development of exhibits and physical experiences at the Amazeum and with partner institutions across the region.—
Deb Harvell,
Arkansas Online,
11 May 2025
-
Two runs in the sixth came courtesy of a mental error and a physical error by the Rockies.—
Kevin Acee,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
11 May 2025
Adjective
-
There's also considerable risk connected to young people toting toys that can closely resemble actual guns, especially those with modifications.—
Jazmin Towe,
Parents,
9 May 2025
-
As sophisticated grocery store layouts reveal, considerable thought goes into such placement, including what goes on shelves and where.—
Michael Ashley,
Forbes.com,
9 May 2025
Adjective
-
According to a 2025 report from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, roughly 21% of consumers with a credit record were using a buy now, pay later plan from one of six major firms in 2022.—
Melina Khan,
USA Today,
16 May 2025
-
The three-time major champion, lacking only the Wanamaker Trophy for his major collection, ran off three straight bogeys early on the back nine and shot 76.—
Doug Ferguson,
Chicago Tribune,
16 May 2025
Adjective
-
Nikola Jokic is the biggest reason why the Nuggets are on the brink of a sizable upset.—
Tyler Everett,
MSNBC Newsweek,
18 May 2025
-
The hosting country would naturally want a sizable say in how the AGI is going to be used.—
Lance Eliot,
Forbes.com,
17 May 2025
Adjective
-
Therefore, the Money in the Bank Premium Live Event in Los Angeles on June 7th currently stands as the most concrete reported timeframe for a potential Rhodes return.—
Andrew Ravens,
MSNBC Newsweek,
14 May 2025
-
The club did not make any concrete moves in either department after missing out on Leny Yoro to Manchester United in the summer.—
Mario Cortegana,
New York Times,
12 May 2025
Adjective
-
That’s another important component of the foreclosures First Street tracked: areas where home prices are rising tend to avoid falling into distress.—
Andrea Riquier,
USA Today,
20 May 2025
-
The release is part of the USPS's longstanding tradition of using stamps to commemorate important national events, serving as both educational tools and collectible artifacts that spotlight America's history and heritage.—
Aliss Higham,
MSNBC Newsweek,
19 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Substantial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/substantial. Accessed 23 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share