SUBSTANTIAL Synonyms: 260 Similar and Opposite Words

substantial

adjective

səb-ˈstan(t)-shəl

Definition of substantial

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

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

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

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 Since its launch in 2021, the brand has developed a substantial international following. — Denise Petski, Deadline, 16 Oct. 2026 As for types of serious injuries, most are related to the fact that roller coasters expose riders to substantial physical forces. — Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 16 Oct. 2026 This may sound low but is substantial in the context of wages that range from 23 cents to 50 cents per hour. — Jaquelyn Jahn, The Conversation, 16 Oct. 2026 Even so, one especially snowy year could provide substantial drought relief. — Callie Zanandrie, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for substantial

Recent Examples of Synonyms for substantial

Adjective

Sullivan and Peltola have already faced off this year, but Thursday's debate was widely seen as the most significant for the general electorate.

— Matthew Choi The Washington Post, Arkansas Online, 17 Oct. 2026
That reality makes the latest Carrera T more significant than its understated badge might suggest.

— Bradley Iger, Robb Report, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of significant

Adjective

In Lyon, France's third-largest city where about 20,000 protesters joined the march, a fire broke out inside a tourist office.

— SYLVIE CORBET, Arkansas Online, 18 Oct. 2026
El-Sayed’s primary challenger, Haley Stevens, who of course lost to El-Sayed, did carry Michael counties with large Black populations.

— NBC news, NBC news, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of large

Adjective

Apple Vision Pro proved particularly useful for judging the scale of sets before physical construction.

— Davide Abbatescianni, Variety, 13 Oct. 2026
Since those moments Birmingham has occupied a central space in the physical and spiritual lineage of America's Civil Rights Movement.

— Leslie Pariseau, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of physical

Adjective

But the fee puts considerable professional access within reach of people financing their own ambitions.

— Philip Martin, Arkansas Online, 13 Oct. 2026
In Japan, this has meant not only a great deal of collusion between yakuza gangs and law enforcement but also considerable overlap between crime and politics—especially, though not exclusively, right-wing politics.

— Ian Buruma, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of considerable

Adjective

That competitiveness, along with California’s sizable cache of electoral votes, helped boost Reagan’s political standing nationally.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2026
According to Campbell, the new company comes with a sizeable capital injection and will acquire IP, develop original and adapted material, finance productions, and produce content for film, TV and other media platforms.

— Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of sizable

Adjective

How blades become cement ingredients and concrete reinforcement One useful material recovered from turbine blades is silica.

— Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 13 Oct. 2026
In 1957, Wright decided to use a state-of-the-art compound to seal the concrete facade, made of a material called gunite.

— Wendy S. Walters, Architectural Digest, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of concrete

Adjective

Understanding the answer is often more important than the opportunity itself.

— Aneri Jambusaria, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2026
Ties between Ukraine and its most important backer the United States have also been strained by the apparent withdrawal of US intelligence sharing, and restrictions to the Starlink satellite internet service.

— Helen Regan, CNN Money, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of important

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substandard

substantial

substantiality

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Style

“Substantial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/substantial. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of substantial

adjective

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