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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 May 2026
But translating this into regional influence will require substantive engagement.
—Dr. Robert Mogielnicki, semafor.com, 19 May 2026
Los Angeles Times, 17 Nov. 2022
Only seventeen members of Harmony, the party that represents the Russian minority and commands a substantive if declining amount of support, and two nonaffiliated members were opposed.
—Gordon F. Sander, The New York Review of Books, 6 July 2022
See All Example Sentences for substantive
Adjective
Many of its more substantive features are invisible to guests.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 May 2026
But translating this into regional influence will require substantive engagement.
—Dr. Robert Mogielnicki, semafor.com, 19 May 2026
Noun
California’s climate agenda mixes the symbolic with the substantive.
—Los Angeles Times, 17 Nov. 2022
Only seventeen members of Harmony, the party that represents the Russian minority and commands a substantive if declining amount of support, and two nonaffiliated members were opposed.
—Gordon F. Sander, The New York Review of Books, 6 July 2022
See All Example Sentences for substantive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for substantive
Adjective
-
The majority-Republican House Committee on Appropriations proposed on Wednesday less extreme but still substantial cuts, slashing 20% from the agency and reducing funding to the state clean water programs by almost 25%.—
Adriana Pérez,
Chicago Tribune,
24 May 2026
-
But a careful reading of the S-1 reveals substantial barriers in the path to achieving the sorcerous performance required to reward shareholders who flock to the most anticipated debut ever seen.—
Shawn Tully,
Fortune,
23 May 2026
Adjective
-
Like many other young jazz artists of the period, however, he was deeply affected, not only by the playing, but by the lifestyles of the older beboppers who were his significant influences, many of whom had become addicted to drugs.—
Don Heckman,
Los Angeles Times,
26 May 2026
-
Financing for the homes, however, is still a significant hurdle.—
Diana Olick,
CNBC,
26 May 2026
Adjective
-
Meanwhile, the inclusion of six players who are capable of playing center back probably confirms what USMNT observers have believed for the better part of a year, that Pochettino is likely to field a back three/back five formation for a considerable chunk of the tournament.—
Ian Nicholas Quillen,
Forbes.com,
24 May 2026
-
On the positive side, especially if this woman plans to have children, Miss Manners observes that losing the friendship will no doubt save you considerable time and money in the future.—
Judith Martin,
Mercury News,
23 May 2026
Adjective
-
An unsettled gubernatorial contest In the gubernatorial race, none of the many Democratic candidates has been able to consolidate a sizable lead, creating a lingering apprehension that Republicans could somehow eke out a stunning upset in the biggest of blue states.—
Kevin Rector,
Los Angeles Times,
24 May 2026
-
The food ranges from snacky to sizable, and the quality of dishes varies widely.—
Helen Rosner,
New Yorker,
24 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Substantive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/substantive. Accessed 31 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
