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
as in nominal
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of substantive
Los Angeles Times, 11 May 2026
There wasn’t a meeting or a substantive discussion where the mantra wasn’t repeated.
—Jenny B. Fine, Footwear News, 8 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
The piece emphasizes that candidates have largely avoided substantive discussion about how to maintain current costly programs while introducing new ones.
—Los Angeles Times, 11 May 2026
There wasn’t a meeting or a substantive discussion where the mantra wasn’t repeated.
—Jenny B. Fine, Footwear News, 8 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
-
Trust develops through a substantial body of online content, including articles, podcasts, videos, and books.—
Jodie Cook,
Forbes.com,
16 May 2026
-
The unions, which represent locomotive engineers, machinists, signalmen and other train workers, have said more substantial raises were warranted to help workers keep up with inflation and rising living costs.—
Philip Marcelo,
Fortune,
16 May 2026
Adjective
-
BuzzFeed soon will make another round of significant cost cuts prior to Allen’s takeover, Peretti said in the statement.—
Meg James,
Los Angeles Times,
12 May 2026
-
Those troops are still there, and significant mistrust remains a threat to peace.—
Sudarsan Raghavan,
New Yorker,
12 May 2026
Adjective
-
Gibson’s wigs may change along the way, but his considerable capabilities at conveying a range of personalities stay the course.—
Christopher Smith,
Oc Register,
9 May 2026
-
To stand a chance, Cîrstea had to refuse to be intimidated by Sabalenka’s phenomenally powerful hitting and considerable aura.—
Charlie Eccleshare,
New York Times,
9 May 2026
Adjective
-
Germany, Korea, Japan, the Netherlands, Hong Kong SAR and Singapore all posted sizable surpluses, while several advanced and emerging economies remained in deficit.—
James Broughel,
Forbes.com,
10 May 2026
-
Account holders who treat their HSA this way can build a sizable balance, as with other investment accounts like 401(k)s that receive regular contributions and growth.—
Greg Iacurci,
CNBC,
9 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Substantive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/substantive. Accessed 17 May. 2026.
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