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 James was charged with distribution of a class B substance, trafficking fentanyl above 10 grams, possession of class B substance with intent to distribute, and conspiracy to violate drug laws. Rick Sobey, Boston Herald, 12 Sep. 2025 These are telltale signs that there’s a buildup of bacteria, germs, and other unwanted substances in or on your trash can that can end up spreading to other members of your family while creating an odor that can spread throughout the house along the way. Lauren Wicks, Southern Living, 11 Sep. 2025 The blaze that ravaged the LA suburb of Altadena in January stopped some 50 feet short of the freelance cinematographer’s home, but its plumes filtered through doors and windows, leaving behind lead and other hazardous substances. Bloomberg, Mercury News, 11 Sep. 2025 Unfortunately, as Sheen's career continued to climb, so did his substance abuse. Allison Degrushe, Entertainment Weekly, 11 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for substance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for substance
Noun
  • The paper also highlights the potential of digital twins — virtual patient replicas that allow doctors to simulate treatments before applying them in real life.
    Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 12 Sep. 2025
  • This creates the potential for payload delivery and even medical evacuation from orbit to any major metropolitan area.
    Bernard Marr, Forbes.com, 12 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Bobby Hart, who along with Tommy Boyce, penned and produced some of the Monkees’ greatest hits not only made a vital contribution to the popular success of the Monkees, but even more importantly to the essence, the very spirit of the entire venture.
    Chris Willman, Variety, 14 Sep. 2025
  • The result is a collection that maintained the essence of IVY moda’s DNA while boldly stepping into new territory and appealing to a new generation of fashion fans.
    Lee Sharrock, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Earlier this year, Norway’s sovereign wealth fund proposed switching to semiannual reporting, reasoning that lengthening the time frame would allow companies to focus on the longer term.
    Jeff Cox, CNBC, 15 Sep. 2025
  • That Musk could purchase $1 billion in stock mostly as a symbolic gesture is another indication of his massive wealth.
    Chris Isidore, CNN Money, 15 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Each of the four objects — the moon, Jupiter, Castor and Pollux — will appear to be about four degrees apart.
    Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2025
  • Do not approach water, wet objects, or metal items.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 13 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Associated Press text, photo, graphic, audio and/or video material shall not be published, broadcast, rewritten for broadcast or publication or redistributed directly or indirectly in any medium.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Transcripts, grammars, vocabularies, dictionaries, glyph studies, botanical studies, commentaries, articles, editions of codices, correspondence, maps, charts, drawings, photographs, Maya Society materials, genealogies of Maya families, and Mayan glyphs on moveable type.
    The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 12 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • At the same time, the very nature of entrepreneurship grants a level of freedom that corporate jobs often don’t.
    Samantha Dewalt, Fortune, 12 Sep. 2025
  • But international societies for speleology recovered, as the interdisciplinary nature of the research gained relevance later in the century.
    Danny Robb, JSTOR Daily, 12 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • For the past 54 months, equity mutual funds have seen net inflows, with assets managed by Indian mutual funds rising to about $850 billion in June 2025 from about $696 billion in June 2024, according to data from the Association of Mutual Funds in India.
    Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 18 Sep. 2025
  • Beyond sentimental value, digital assets often carry measurable financial and operational stakes.
    Jamie Hopkins, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • In 2024, private and public entities invested nearly $2 billion in quantum startups worldwide, a 50% increase over 2023.
    Gil Press, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
  • Musk sued Altman and OpenAI last year for breach of contract and has since tried to thwart the company's effort to restructure into a for-profit entity.
    MacKenzie Sigalos, CNBC, 16 Sep. 2025

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

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