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 This view indicated that Sinner, who Naldi assured had not used any substances, was blameless. Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 15 Feb. 2025 Thomas Kienzle | Afp | Getty Images Graham’s comments come as debate rages over the substance of peace talks between Ukraine and Russia, which Trump announced last week, and what a deal could entail. Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 15 Feb. 2025 Listen to this article The Illinois Department of Human Services departments tasked with mental health and substance use would be combined under an executive order from Gov. JB Pritzker, his office announced Friday. Jeremy Gorner, Chicago Tribune, 15 Feb. 2025 Nootropics Nootropics, sometimes called smart drugs, are tablets, supplements, drinks, and foods that contain substances that improve the body's performance or boost cognitive function. Sherri Gordon, Health, 14 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for substance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for substance
Noun
  • Improve Your Decision-Making One unique element of embracing your authentic self that Gomo cites is its potential to improve your decision-making.
    Tyler Shepherd, USA TODAY, 21 Feb. 2025
  • Additionally, this model opens the door for Macmillan to participate further along in the content creation process, which creates more opportunity and profit potential for authors.
    Katcy Stephan, Variety, 20 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Directed by Gabriel Moses, the short film explores the essence of human connection through the rich and vibrant lens of West African culture.
    Okla Jones, Essence, 18 Feb. 2025
  • President Trump has publicly said any peace rested on Ukraine ending its NATO ambitions and relinquishing territory seized by Moscow — in essence ceding to two key Russian demands.
    Charles Maynes, NPR, 18 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Flanks, a startup providing data and insights to European wealth managers, has raised €14 million in new funding, founders Joaquim de la Cruz and Álvaro Morales tell Axios exclusively.
    Ryan Lawler, Axios, 26 Feb. 2025
  • Unfortunately, though, the wealth isn’t trickling down to average workers.
    William Pesek, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • In the bedrooms, benches were built and positioned at the foot of the beds, and additional antique furniture pieces and objects were added both as references to spirituality and to Thai architecture.
    Jim Halterman, IndieWire, 24 Feb. 2025
  • Green category: How an object might react if a heavy load were placed on it.
    Mark Joseph, Newsweek, 24 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Files include new device submissions, marketing applications and other materials medical device companies need approved before bringing products to consumers.
    Michael Erman, USA TODAY, 22 Feb. 2025
  • Flight 8 will likely attempt the same goals as Flight 7 would have achieved, such as testing Starship's payload deployment mechanism and gathering data on novel heat shield materials.
    Ars Technica, Ars Technica, 21 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • As secrets unravel, María begins to question her mother’s true nature—and her own.
    Anna Marie de la Fuente, Variety, 22 Feb. 2025
  • There’s a clear ebb and flow to each match, but the nature of the game’s format means that every bout is a long-simmering kettle that’s primed to boil over by the time the storm’s iris forces all survivors together in a face-off to the death.
    Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 22 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Such efforts can help strengthen the protection of digital assets and customer data while addressing the evolving demands of API security.
    Michael Nicosia, Forbes, 26 Dec. 2024
  • Data protection of organizations’ digital assets and consumer information is one of the critical areas where such collaboration is essential, especially as consumers place more emphasis on their personal data security.
    Michael Nicosia, Forbes, 26 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Political and economic entities have weaponized certain scientific topics, such as climate change, as well as the mistrust in science to advance their own interests, said Gabriele Contessa, a philosopher of science at Carleton University in Ottawa, Canada.
    Ars Technica, Ars Technica, 18 Feb. 2025
  • Nonprofit entities, such as universities and NGOs, also play a crucial role in the lab-to-market process by fostering an environment of knowledge exchange and public engagement.
    Seth Darling, Forbes, 18 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Substance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/substance. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.

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