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
Leo added that he was never shown the terms of reference and the investigation report made no substantive allowances for his mental health or previous experience of discrimination. — Jake Kanter, Deadline, 13 Aug. 2026 If there are substantive discussions to be had, let’s have them. — Sean Hammond, Chicago Tribune, 13 Aug. 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
  • Some prediction market companies have received unflattering media headlines based on false premises—Kalshi doesn’t take bets directly involving war or wildfires despite substantial news coverage suggesting otherwise.
    — Dan Bernstein, Sportico.com, 24 Aug. 2026
  • In another time, the MacBook Neo could have caused a substantial realignment of the lowish-end laptop business.
    — ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of substantial
Adjective
  • The battle at the University of Costa Rica gained significant attention, with some viewers leaving comments on the videos over the spectacle.
    — Mitchell McCluskey, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Landsaw says this is the most significant project he's ever worked on.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of significant
Adjective
  • The duo’s speech at the Oscars following their win was the source of a considerable amount of chatter in the days following.
    — Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 24 Aug. 2026
  • The Forecasts Are Huge, but Also Uncertain There is little disagreement that data-center electricity demand will continue to rise, although there is considerable disagreement over exactly how fast.
    — Robert Rapier, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026
Definition of considerable
Adjective
  • The younger Rivers will be headed to North Carolina State, following in the sizable footsteps of his father.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 20 Aug. 2026
  • On a more practical level, international living may save you a sizable amount on housing, healthcare, and daily expenses such as groceries.
    — Amelia Mularz, Architectural Digest, 20 Aug. 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 25 Aug. 2026.

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