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
Benjamin Laker, Forbes.com, 26 Jan. 2026
But there was a deeper, more substantive reason for the shift in his attitude.
—Jason Zengerle, New Yorker, 24 Jan. 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
Adaptation becomes incremental rather than substantive.
—Benjamin Laker, Forbes.com, 26 Jan. 2026
But there was a deeper, more substantive reason for the shift in his attitude.
—Jason Zengerle, New Yorker, 24 Jan. 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 sensational nature of his escape and the substantial reward for his recapture brought in rumors from all over the state.—
Richard Selcer,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
24 Jan. 2026
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The combined battery weight is substantial, tipping the scales at approximately 640 lb and 666 lb, respectively, reflecting the system’s focus on long-range capability and durability for a full-size MPV platform.—
Bojan Stojkovski,
Interesting Engineering,
24 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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An Australian study of advanced brain images found significant alterations even among people who had already recovered from mild infections — a possible explanation for cognitive deficits that may persist for years.—
Stephanie Armour,
CBS News,
27 Jan. 2026
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The burial ground dates back to a significant time in English history, when regional kingdoms started to form and consolidate power.—
Andrea Margolis,
FOXNews.com,
27 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Defensive tackle Khyiris Tonga (foot) is the only considerable contributor inactive with injury.—
Doug Kyed,
Boston Herald,
11 Jan. 2026
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In theory, this engine could achieve escape velocity from the Solar System, but would also produce considerable heat and radiation that would need to be safely contained.—
Matthew S Williams,
Interesting Engineering,
10 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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This compact yet sizable belt bag has a simple silhouette that looks very similar to the one Diaz just wore.—
Clara McMahon,
PEOPLE,
9 Jan. 2026
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Highly revered for its outdoorsy facilities, the low-slung La Reserve Hotel and Spa Geneva occupies a sizable, green patch alongside its namesake lake.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
8 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Substantive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/substantive. Accessed 30 Jan. 2026.
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