Synonyms of substantive

substantive 1 of 2

adjective

ˈsəb-stən-tiv 

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

• substantial
• significant
• considerable
• sizable
• major
• good
• tremendous
• huge
• respectable
• healthy
• great
• handsome
• big
• goodly
• tidy
• massive
• largish
• biggish
• voluminous
• enormous
• hefty
• bulky
• colossal
• gigantic
• immense
• monumental
• oversize
• outsize
• astronomical
• prodigious
• mammoth
• monstrous
• herculean
• whopping
• titanic
• jumbo
• hulking
• elephantine
• bumper
• king-size

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• insignificant
• nominal
• negligible
• inconsequential
• insubstantial
• trivial
• inconsiderable
• unimportant
• petty
• marginal
• trifling
• puny
• meager
• slight
• paltry
• minute
• small
• little
• tiny
• piddling
• picayune
• measly
• diminutive
• undersized
• picayunish
• miniature
• smallish
• pocket
• bitty
• pocket-size
• pygmy
• pint-size

substantive

2 of 2

noun

as in nominal

Related Words

• nominal
• noun
• collective noun
• common noun
• proper noun
• count noun
• mass noun

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of substantive

Adjective

Tehran insists on upfront economic relief and an end to the war before substantive talks on the nuclear issue can begin. — Ali Vaez, Time, 21 Oct. 2026

States have little authority to shape the program around local needs, impose consumer protections or substantive standards or ensure that funds reach the students most often denied opportunity. — Denise Forte, Baltimore Sun, 21 Oct. 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

Podcast

Get Word of the Day delivered to your inbox!