Synonyms of substance

substance

noun

ˈsəb-stən(t)s 

1

as in potential

the basic elements from which something can be developed

many thought that the mayor's speech lacked substance because specific proposals for solving the city's problems were few

Synonyms & Similar Words

• potential
• material
• potentiality
• making
• timber
• raw material
• stuff
• possibility
• metal
• matter

2

as in essence

the quality or qualities that make a thing what it is

tireless caring and nurturing that was the very substance of maternal love

Synonyms & Similar Words

• essence
• nature
• soul
• manifestation
• being
• stuff
• essentiality
• aspect
• quiddity
• quintessence
• heart
• core
• name of the game
• property
• spirit
• attribute
• center
• pith
• marrow
• feature
• incarnation
• personification
• kernel
• seat
• gist
• keynote
• embodiment
• epitome
• alpha and omega
• nub

3

as in wealth

the total of one's money and property

measure the worth of a person not by his earthly substance but by his good deeds

Synonyms & Similar Words

• wealth
• assets
• money
• capital
• things
• worth
• funds
• means
• riches
• effects
• fortune
• opulence
• possessions
• success
• holdings
• prosperity
• wherewithal
• property
• resources
• savings
• paraphernalia
• finances
• belongings
• abundance
• chattels
• wallet
• personalty
• affluence
• personal property
• acquisition
• treasure
• deep pockets
• treasury
• bankroll
• accession
• valuables
• nest egg
• reserve

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• liabilities
• debts
• indebtedness

4

as in object

one that has a real and independent existence

the question of whether the soul is a substance entirely independent of the body

Synonyms & Similar Words

• object
• entity
• reality
• thing
• something
• individual
• being
• commodity
• body
• matter
• subject
• individuality
• existent
• material
• integer
• quantity
• stuff

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• nonentity

Examples of substance in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

But before doing that, speak with an attorney who can clarify if any subpoenaed information, like substance testing or mental health assessments, is protected. —Lisa Zeiderman, Forbes, 22 Oct. 2024

Contaminated Work Clothes Work clothes that have been exposed to pesticides, lead, asbestos, or any other hazardous substances should be washed in hot water. —Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Oct. 2024

These evaluations often lead to sentences that include mental health care, trauma counseling or substance abuse treatment — measures that can reduce recidivism and create healthier communities. —Sonia Singh, Rolling Stone, 11 Oct. 2024

Sheppard Pratt, a mental health, substance use, developmental disability, special education, and social services nonprofit provider, appointed Jennifer Coyne as general counsel. —Lindsey Leake, Fortune, 11 Oct. 2024

Phrases Containing substance

• sum and substance