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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

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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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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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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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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 Trump has argued that the center is in poor condition and requires substantial government support to remain open. — Mariam Khan, ABC News, 18 Sep. 2026 The team has a substantial footprint in Canada, with many fans making the short drive to attend Bills games for decades. — Jon Root Outkick, FOXNews.com, 18 Sep. 2026 The circumstantial case against Lizzie is substantial and has long provided arguments for motive and opportunity. — Britt Hayes, Entertainment Weekly, 18 Sep. 2026 Denver is considering a new response model The firefighter complaints come as Denver is considering a substantial change to its emergency medical response system. — Brian Maass, CBS News, 18 Sep. 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
  • Trump biopic The Apprentice was avoided by the major studios and then faced significant challenges before release.
    — Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 18 Sep. 2026
  • Coroner’s records list Isaiah’s cause of death as a bacterial infection resulting from pneumonia, but other significant factors included blunt force trauma injuries and the impacts of long-term restraint.
    — Rebecca Ellis, Los Angeles Times, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of significant
Adjective
  • The Justice Department and FCC have approved the transaction without asking for any concessions or remedies — an unusually hands-off approach for such a large horizontal merger.
    — Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 21 Sep. 2026
  • China’s trade with Africa last year was four times larger than Washington’s with the continent, and that gap looks set to widen after Beijing extended its zero-tariff policy across Africa.
    — Alexis Akwagyiram, semafor.com, 21 Sep. 2026
Definition of large
Adjective
  • Taken to its most extreme logic of detachment from humanity, exerting the the will into a detachment from one’s physical life—the Romans called it suicide.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 15 Sep. 2026
  • The physical security industry is undergoing a structural shift.
    — Robert Messer, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2026
Definition of physical
Adjective
  • The creator may own the message, but the platform has considerable influence over its distribution.
    — Sergi Cerrato, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2026
  • Even today, after significant changes to the tax code, earning income through a pass-through business can carry considerable tax advantages over earning it through other types of businesses — or as an employee.
    — Greg Rosalsky, NPR, 14 Sep. 2026
Definition of considerable
Adjective
  • That led to the Sox leading the majors in relief innings this season and being on a pace to finish with 764 innings, which would rank third in major-league history.
    — Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 19 Sep. 2026
  • In a surprise move, and major upset for competitor Nike, On has inked a deal with Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappé to be the face of its new football category.
    — Stephen Garner, Footwear News, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of major
Adjective
  • Anyone borrowing money to make a sizable purchase, such as a home, car or large appliance, will likely take a hit eventually.
    — Paul Wiseman, Los Angeles Times, 16 Sep. 2026
  • The nation’s blood centers have long relied on high school and university blood drives not only as a dependable and sizable donation source, but as an introduction to young people about the importance of donating.
    — Marc Ramirez, USA Today, 16 Sep. 2026
Definition of sizable
Adjective
  • For this reason, PhotoVogue remains committed to creating a more inclusive global community, providing artists with concrete and free opportunities to develop their creative vision and professional paths.
    — Rica Cerbarano, Vogue, 14 Sep. 2026
  • Both trends followed Warsh's comments a few weeks ago that the Fed would be forced into action unless there are more concrete signs that inflation is easing back to the central bank's 2% target.
    — Jeff Cox, CNBC, 14 Sep. 2026
Definition of concrete
Adjective
  • Yet he was accused of failing to do his work as recently as November, detained in a neighboring village over rainfall that disrupted an important ceremony.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 20 Sep. 2026
  • Maybe the most important thing Jon Sumrall did Saturday night wasn’t beating Auburn.
    — Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 20 Sep. 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 21 Sep. 2026.

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