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substantive 1 of 2

adjective

ˈsəb-stən-tiv How to pronounce substantive (audio)
Definition of substantivenext
as in substantial
sufficiently large in size, amount, or number to merit attention they've made substantive changes in the nightly newscast

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

substantive

2 of 2

noun

as in nominal

Related Words

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 substantive
Adjective
The conversations on both shows were nuanced and substantive. — Nicole Russell, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2026 Judge Kaplan’s first substantive question was whether those figures represented the tour’s total obligation. — Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 9 Sep. 2026
Noun
With his substantive, agreeably granular bass, David Grogan gave prophetic warnings real authority. — Dallas News, 23 Dec. 2022 California’s climate agenda mixes the symbolic with the substantive. — Los Angeles Times, 17 Nov. 2022 See All Example Sentences for substantive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for substantive
  1. substantial
  2. significant
  3. considerable
  4. sizable
Adjective
  • Buffett made substantial charitable donations during his lifetime.
    — Chris Isidore, CNN Money, 18 Sep. 2026
  • Census data show a large majority of the city’s population is foreign-born, with Venezuelans making up a substantial portion of Doral residents.
    — Ivan Taylor, Miami Herald, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of substantial
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
  • While the sale has generated considerable interest, Bardot’s widowerBernard d’Ormale has criticized the auction, according to CNN affiliate BFMTV.
    — Jack Guy, CNN Money, 21 Sep. 2026
  • The Dolphins have used considerable draft capital to fix an offensive line that has been an issue for nearly a decade.
    — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 21 Sep. 2026
Definition of considerable
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

Browse Nearby Words

substantiations
substantive
substantiveness
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Cite this Entry

“Substantive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/substantive. Accessed 23 Sep. 2026.

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