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
Alex Schwartz, The Conversation, 29 May 2026
Work with them, do substantive projects and get feedback.
—Benjamin Todd, CNBC, 27 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
If the two chambers can reconcile their differences, the legislation would be one of the few substantive bills approved by Congress in recent years.
—Alex Schwartz, The Conversation, 29 May 2026
Work with them, do substantive projects and get feedback.
—Benjamin Todd, CNBC, 27 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
-
Although both technologies have generated headlines, attracted billions in investment, and prompted debates around consumer protection and national security, the federal government’s approach to oversight of these innovations has diverged in a substantial way.—
Sean Stein Smith,
Forbes.com,
6 June 2026
-
That is, unless the homeowner has substantial savings.—
Ashley Miznazi,
Miami Herald,
6 June 2026
Adjective
-
Officials described the discovery as a significant blow to criminal organizations that rely on underground smuggling routes to move narcotics and other contraband across the border.—
Greg Wehner,
FOXNews.com,
2 June 2026
-
The concerns stem from baseball's history of labor disputes and the significant divide between the league and the MLB Players Association on several economic issues.—
Peter Chawaga,
Forbes.com,
1 June 2026
Adjective
-
Like Adams, Richards’ importance stems from both his own talent and the considerable dropoff from him to the other options on the Americans’ roster.—
Zack Cox,
Boston Herald,
7 June 2026
-
Given that Toy Story 4 earned 97% on Rotten Tomatoes and grossed over $1 billion worldwide, expectations are considerable.—
Hannah Abraham,
Forbes.com,
6 June 2026
Adjective
-
The group is unpopular among many in the country’s sizeable Christian minority.—
Mick Krever,
CNN Money,
6 June 2026
-
Upstairs, the primary suite is a sizable offering with its own balcony and sitting room.—
Tori Latham,
Robb Report,
4 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Substantive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/substantive. Accessed 9 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
