Definition of substantiatenext
1
as in to prove
to gain full recognition or acceptance of substantiated his claim to local mountaineering fame with a photo of himself on the summit of Mount McKinley

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
3
as in to embody
to represent in visible form the artist's intense feelings are substantiated by his paintings' bold colors and broad brush strokes

Synonyms & Similar Words

4
5
as in to reinforce
to provide evidence or information for (as a claim or idea) Darwin spent the rest of his life gathering evidence to substantiate his theory of the origin of species

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb substantiate contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of substantiate are authenticate, confirm, corroborate, validate, and verify. While all these words mean "to attest to the truth or validity of something," substantiate implies the offering of evidence that sustains the contention.

the claims have yet to be substantiated

When is authenticate a more appropriate choice than substantiate?

Although the words authenticate and substantiate have much in common, authenticate implies establishing genuineness by adducing legal or official documents or expert opinion.

handwriting experts authenticated the diaries

When might confirm be a better fit than substantiate?

The meanings of confirm and substantiate largely overlap; however, confirm implies the removing of doubts by an authoritative statement or indisputable fact.

confirmed the reports

In what contexts can corroborate take the place of substantiate?

While the synonyms corroborate and substantiate are close in meaning, corroborate suggests the strengthening of what is already partly established.

witnesses corroborated his story

When could validate be used to replace substantiate?

While in some cases nearly identical to substantiate, validate implies establishing validity by authoritative affirmation or by factual proof.

validated the hypothesis by experiments

When would verify be a good substitute for substantiate?

The words verify and substantiate can be used in similar contexts, but verify implies the establishing of correspondence of actual facts or details with those proposed or guessed at.

all statements of fact in the article have been verified

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 substantiate The strategist added that strong volume occurring alongside higher prices would substantiate the uptrend in stocks. Sean Conlon, CNBC, 15 Dec. 2025 Council Member Krista Laine asked about figures in the report that showed Police Department Internal Affairs investigators substantiated just 69 of the community complaints and that only nine of those cases led to disciplinary action. Austin Sanders, Austin American Statesman, 12 Dec. 2025 Furthermore, no evidence was provided to substantiate the full life cycle impact—even for that 64 percent portion. Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 3 Dec. 2025 Some complaints were not substantiated upon investigation. Keely Doll, Louisville Courier Journal, 25 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for substantiate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for substantiate
Verb
  • However, that land proved to be insufficient for the expansion plans, prompting the purchase of an additional 900-acre lot.
    Dylan Butts,Emily Tan, CNBC, 16 Jan. 2026
  • In fact, Bella Hadid has repeat-worn the style with many off-duty looks, proving that the timeless silhouette adds an outfit-elevating touch.
    Alyssa Morin, InStyle, 16 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Reviewing State Minimum Insurance Requirements In addition to personal insurance needs, owners should verify their state’s minimum liability requirements.
    Ethan M. Stone, Miami Herald, 9 Jan. 2026
  • After verifying player complaints, Wright contacted the league replay center to begin following protocol to potentially delay the game.
    Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 9 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • To @bleach37 my husband, thank you for embodying each of these characteristics so beautifully.
    Samantha Stutsman, PEOPLE, 7 Jan. 2026
  • Unlike more public figures of the regime, Martín operated largely behind the scenes, embodying the financial-intelligence nexus that helped sustain the regime amid sanctions and economic collapse.
    Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 6 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Auditing two departments Calvo plans to establish a task force to audit Hialeah’s 911 operations, responding tor concerns from dispatchers about understaffing and slow response times.
    Verónica Egui Brito, Miami Herald, 12 Jan. 2026
  • Since the 1977 report, scores of other scientific studies involving thousands have clearly established a strong association between consumption of meat and dairy products and elevated incidences of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity and certain types of cancer.
    Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 11 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • The word edgy is often mistakenly applied to comedians whose work just reinforces conventional opinions and prejudices with extra swear words.
    John Roy, Vulture, 13 Jan. 2026
  • January has just begun, and Moore is already reinforcing her icon status.
    Jackie Fields, PEOPLE, 13 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • The new technology described in the study demonstrates the incredible potential of combining classic engineering principles (like the Tesla turbine) with modern materials science to address long-standing industrial challenges.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 12 Jan. 2026
  • Earlier protests demonstrated many Iranians’ opposition to the theocracy’s hard-line ideology, its insistence on the hijab, its control of media and education, its general brutality.
    David Remnick, New Yorker, 11 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • The board’s unanimous vote came weeks after pension-plan actuaries confirmed the program would be cost-neutral, as state law requires.
    Lucas Robinson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Jan. 2026
  • Advocates have been at odds with the city for years over the state of their beloved shelter, prompting an audit that confirmed the validity of many of their concerns about mismanagement, operating over capacity and inadequate care.
    Devan Patel, Mercury News, 14 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Charles seemed upset by the message and expressed determination to not let his age get in the way of his career.
    Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 14 Jan. 2026
  • During the sentencing hearing, Sammartino expressed concerns about the lack of answers and accountability related to Francis’ absconding from house arrest in 2022.
    Alex Riggins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Substantiate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/substantiate. Accessed 17 Jan. 2026.

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