1
as in unsubstantial
being of a material lacking in sturdiness or substance
an insubstantial carton that could not possibly stand up during long-distance shipping
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in spiritual
not composed of matter
energy is insubstantial
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of insubstantial
Vague green claims won’t cut it anymore, as evidenced by a 2020 study from the European Commission, which found over half of environmental claims were insubstantial, misleading or unfounded.
—
Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 2 July 2025
These insubstantial claims did not improve much after the European powers departed.
—Michael Barnes, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
After speaking to my physician colleagues and hearing their earnest frustrations, there’s no doubt in my mind that the system needs reform and the association’s proposals—which are not insubstantial and would address many of the problems —are a great place to start.
—Sachin H. Jain, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
The film and television tax credit may seem slightly insubstantial when compared with the state of the world right now, Rhine advised in a session largely focused on messaging.
—Katie Kilkenny, HollywoodReporter, 18 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for insubstantial
Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 2 July 2025
These insubstantial claims did not improve much after the European powers departed.
—Michael Barnes, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
After speaking to my physician colleagues and hearing their earnest frustrations, there’s no doubt in my mind that the system needs reform and the association’s proposals—which are not insubstantial and would address many of the problems —are a great place to start.
—Sachin H. Jain, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
The film and television tax credit may seem slightly insubstantial when compared with the state of the world right now, Rhine advised in a session largely focused on messaging.
—Katie Kilkenny, HollywoodReporter, 18 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for insubstantial
Recent Examples of Synonyms for insubstantial
Adjective
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This can alter the amount and types of ACE-inhibiting peptides created during fermentation2—and possibly account for kombucha's unsubstantial effect on blood pressure.—
MD Published,
Verywell Health,
27 Dec. 2025
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Then again … This really does sum up Reeves’s unsubstantial performance as Jonathan Harker, whose new client is definitely up to no good.—
Tim Grierson,
Vulture,
18 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Dalai Lama calls for peace Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama on Tuesday posted an appeal for an end to war in the Middle East.—
NPR Staff,
NPR,
31 Mar. 2026
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Pickled foods often accompanied bread during blessings, emphasizing their role as both sustenance and spiritual connection.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
31 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Here’s a hard look at what makes the evidence so flimsy.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
1 Apr. 2026
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TThe midweight design has some structure and is not flimsy at all, and cushioning around the ankle and Achilles adds durability (and comfort on longer hikes).—
Christa Sgobba,
Glamour,
31 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Followers of the Abrahamic religions are supposed to treat God as immaterial and incorporeal, yet these early Yahweh worshippers imagined him as fully embodied.—
Manvir Singh,
New Yorker,
9 Mar. 2026
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Positioned as a large-scale genre event, the series updates the legendary SFX property with a contemporary political and social edge, with Shun Oguri leading the cast as a detective hunting a seemingly incorporeal killer.—
Patrick Brzeski,
HollywoodReporter,
27 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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The type of memory flashbacks that are shot at knee level, gauzy and out of focus, with a gossamer visual touch to conjure whispering, buried emotions of the past.—
Ryan Lattanzio,
IndieWire,
17 Feb. 2026
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Perverts By turns a budding chart sensation, a political firebrand, and an enthusiastic cataloguer of cryptids, Ethel Cain interrupts a stream of gossamer pop, folk, and rock records with Perverts, a droning rejection of the accessibility of her 2022 Billboard top-ten debut Preacher’s Daughter.—
Craig Jenkins,
Vulture,
2 Dec. 2025
Adjective
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The movie addresses metaphysical questions such as the egregore of a generation, the nature of evil, and the search for God in times of His absence.—
PhotoVogue,
Vogue,
19 Mar. 2026
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The most fundamental consequences of being struck by lightning are often metaphysical, and not easily communicable.—
Jacob Stern,
The Atlantic,
16 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Hilarity, hijinks, heartbreak, and hope ensue over the course of 10 frothy, fast-moving episodes.—
Sarah Rodman,
Entertainment Weekly,
31 Mar. 2026
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Parmesan, finely grated (about 1 cup), and blend until combined but not yet frothy, 5–10 seconds.—
Inés Anguiano,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
23 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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The timing of the lawsuits, less than two weeks before early voting begins April 7 for the primary elections, is not immaterial, Remley said, but Krebs only recently lost her job.—
Amy Lavalley,
Chicago Tribune,
25 Mar. 2026
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And whether Americans really want data centres in their backyards may be immaterial in the coming decades.—
Will McCurdy,
PC Magazine,
14 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Insubstantial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/insubstantial. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.
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