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

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2
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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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 substance That duality between instinct and calculation is what gives the film its substance. Essence, 2 Apr. 2025 The Caffeinated Edge In a world increasingly focused on performance, clarity and longevity, caffeine stands out as one of the few substances capable of enhancing both short-term output and long-term brain health — when used judiciously. Ximena Araya-Fischel, Forbes.com, 2 Apr. 2025 Atopic dermatitis is a chronic condition with genetic and environmental causes, whereas atopic dermatitis stems from an irritating substance that triggers a rash. Susan Bard, Verywell Health, 2 Apr. 2025 Causes of Glassy Eyes Glassy eyes can happen for many reasons, including eye conditions, allergies, dehydration, medications, and other substances. Cristina Mutchler, Health, 1 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for substance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for substance
Noun
  • Similar to the start of spring, there's untapped potential; for that one day, (almost) everyone has the same record and chance at lifting the big trophy.
    Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Mar. 2025
  • In terms of making dating safer, Match Group, which owns Tinder, Hinge, Match, and OKCupid (among many others), has the potential for a company-wide, coordinated effort to identify, ban and report abusers on its apps, but this doesn't seem to be a priority.
    Myisha Battle, Time, 28 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The 90's and early 2000's aesthetic of the jacket, along with the essence of athleisure and the elongating effect of Jenner's white socks, allowed the sneakers to stand out as the center of attention.
    Teresa Romero Martínez, Glamour, 30 Mar. 2025
  • The restaurant's commitment to sustainability pairs perfectly with its spectacular harbor views, creating a dining experience that captures Vancouver's essence.
    Shelby Knick, Forbes.com, 29 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • For decades, real estate has been heralded as the gold standard of wealth building in the Black community.
    Jasmine Browley, Essence, 3 Apr. 2025
  • Peer learning and mentorship can provide insights into best practices for wealth accumulation.
    Meredith Moore, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • From the candelabras to the pieces of furniture, Visconti’s collections are distinguished by cast-bronze and by furniture and objects that take their inspiration from organic forms and are sometimes even sculpted with pieces the designer herself collects in nature.
    Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 10 Apr. 2025
  • What unites these objects, which range from the humble to the humorous, and the extremely high-end?
    Liam Hess, Vogue, 10 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The best sheet masks are more than just selfie material—they’re serious skin-care products designed to hug your face, soothe your skin, and deliver high concentrations of potent ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, snail mucin, and retinol.
    Annie Blackman, Allure, 10 Apr. 2025
  • However, Volkanovski is one of the best to ever compete in the UFC’s 145-pound weight class, so those two sticking points might be little more than reference material to cite when discussing the main event of UFC 314.
    Trent Reinsmith, Forbes.com, 10 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Part of the issue in Toronto has to do with the nature of sports attendance in general over the past 20 years.
    James Mirtle, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2025
  • The trio's storyline examined the changing nature of female friendships over time, and the role that wealth disparity plays in this dynamic.
    Madison E. Goldberg, People.com, 11 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • In the complaint, Aaron asks that neither party be awarded alimony and that both parties' community assets and debts are in accordance with Nevada law.
    Ingrid Vasquez, People.com, 14 Mar. 2025
  • The dots represented arts organizations, creative businesses, studios, galleries, performance venues, and cultural and historic assets.
    Jim Woods, Chicago Tribune, 14 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Arson – To unlawfully and intentionally damage or attempt to damage any real or personal property of another person or entity by fire or incendiary device.
    Baltimore Sun staff, Baltimore Sun, 11 Apr. 2025
  • Rather than a sale, the merger would result in a new entity − a culmination of Perplexity AI and TikTok.
    Greta Cross, USA Today, 10 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Substance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/substance. Accessed 18 Apr. 2025.

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