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

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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 substantive
Adjective
The administration is required to respond to substantive public comments, though it is not required to incorporate that feedback. — Theresa Gaffney, STAT, 15 July 2026 Some reports, meanwhile, have even contended that AI has had no substantive impact on jobs so far. — Maggie Harrison Dupré, Futurism, 15 July 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
  • Haynes was a longtime collaborator whose Duke institute received substantial NIAID support.
    — Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 27 July 2026
  • The National Low Income Housing Coalition (NLIHC) publishes an annual report spotlighting the substantial gulf between today’s wages and the income needed to pay for housing.
    — Jeffrey Steele, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
Definition of substantial
Adjective
  • Although the storefront marks a significant milestone, Thomas says the business has always been about preparing his daughters for the future rather than simply increasing sales.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 26 July 2026
  • Fresno County, the highest agricultural producing county in the state and nation, saw significant increases in agave production last year, The Fresno Bee reported.
    — Lizzie Kane July 26, Sacbee.com, 26 July 2026
Definition of significant
Adjective
  • All of that may drive people to consider a trip to the beach, but the weather service said that option could come with considerable danger this week.
    — Rick Hurd, Mercury News, 27 July 2026
  • Studies have shown that mosquitoes often show a consistent preference for some people more than others, often to a considerable degree.
    — Faith Wakefield, USA Today, 27 July 2026
Definition of considerable
Adjective
  • Impact craters are formed by sizable objects such as meteorites crashing into the Earth’s surface.
    — Megan Fahrney, ABC News, 24 July 2026
  • The France Under-20 international’s ceiling is extremely high, though, which is why Newcastle have invested another sizeable sum in someone who has only just celebrated his 20th birthday.
    — Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 24 July 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 28 Jul. 2026.

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