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
Shah would have a substantive publication behind him when seeking jobs. — Rivka Galchen, New Yorker, 1 Nov. 2026 Unless the king takes more substantive action, his position as head of state in multiple Caribbean countries is at risk. — Brooke N. Newman, The Conversation, 29 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 See All Example Sentences for substantive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for substantive
  1. substantial
  2. significant
  3. considerable
  4. sizable
Adjective
  • Conventional early-warning aircraft have space for substantial radar arrays and powerful onboard systems, but their size and cost can limit how many can be deployed.
    — Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2026
  • With builds ranging up to $6,000, the new ROG Strix Scar 18 will make a substantial dent in your bank account.
    — Marshall Honorof, PC Magazine, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of substantial
Adjective
  • Organizations often react by utilizing significant resources to address this one issue while other commitments quietly slip through the cracks.
    — Rohan Joshi, Forbes.com, 30 Oct. 2026
  • Detroit’s automakers, particularly GM, were slow to recognize the staying power of hybrids, leaving foreign competitors such as Toyota with a significant advantage.
    — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of significant
Adjective
  • Targets household robotics Meta’s reported design requirements place considerable emphasis on how the robot perceives and communicates with people.
    — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 2 Nov. 2026
  • View gallery - 5 images High-performance electric dirt bikes are becoming increasingly capable, but stepping into the more powerful end of the market often requires a considerable investment.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of considerable
Adjective
  • The sizeable tiled floor bathrooms with gorgeous stone sinks are also something to write home about.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Nov. 2026
  • The primary suite boasts yet another fireplace, a wet bar, a bathroom, two spacious dressing rooms, and walls that slide open to a sizable balcony.
    — Katie Schultz, Architectural Digest, 4 Nov. 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 6 Nov. 2026.

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