substantive 1 of 2

Definition of substantivenext

substantive

2 of 2

noun

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
To be good stewards of the state’s water resources requires that all users, including farmers and ranchers, take substantive measures that balance demands for water with increasingly limited supplies. Dp Opinion, Denver Post, 4 Apr. 2026 However, others who have pressed for more federal action to protect drinking water see the move as a disingenuous effort to play to the MAHA base without taking substantive action. Will Stone, NPR, 2 Apr. 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 largest monthly jump in gas prices in six decades caused a sharp spike in inflation last month, creating major challenges for the inflation-fighters at the Federal Reserve and heightening already substantial political hurdles for the White House.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 11 Apr. 2026
  • Its techniques are still breathtaking today, richer and more substantial than any images that came before and many that followed.
    Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 11 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • However, significant barriers to entry remain, with access to both club and international matches highly limited.
    Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 21 Apr. 2026
  • The revision goes into effect just days after one of the most significant recent rulings in the restitution space.
    Jackie Hajdenberg, Sun Sentinel, 20 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Nevertheless, your powers of insight and persuasion in conversations with others will be considerable.
    Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 19 Apr. 2026
  • Young is a multi-hyphenate artist who commands considerable celebrity.
    Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 19 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • While winemakers are leaning into narratives and experiences to attract this sizeable demographic, real estate developers are using wine to court high-income members of the generation.
    Mike DeSimone, Robb Report, 19 Apr. 2026
  • Jeff Bezos' space company just notched a big reusability milestone — but also suffered a sizable setback.
    Josh Dinner, Space.com, 19 Apr. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

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

More from Merriam-Webster on substantive

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster