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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Relevance
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
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
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Recent Examples of substance
Jordan Addison has been suspended for the first three games of the season for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy, Rondale Moore is out for the season, and Justin Jefferson has also been dealing with a nagging injury.
—
James Brizuela, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Aug. 2025
Schaffer’s probation terms included no violent contact with the victim and an order to receive domestic violence and substance abuse evaluations.
—Nathan Pilling, Kansas City Star, 12 Aug. 2025
Other countries believe taxing rights should be based on economic substance and value creation, and some countries are unsure if third countries should receive these taxing rights.
—Nana Ama Sarfo, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2025
The compound 7-OH is a naturally occurring substance in the kratom plant (Mitragyna speciosa), according to the FDA, but only a minor component comprising less than 2% of the alkaloid content in natural kratom leaves.
—Natalie Neysa Alund, USA Today, 31 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for substance
James Brizuela, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Aug. 2025
Schaffer’s probation terms included no violent contact with the victim and an order to receive domestic violence and substance abuse evaluations.
—Nathan Pilling, Kansas City Star, 12 Aug. 2025
Other countries believe taxing rights should be based on economic substance and value creation, and some countries are unsure if third countries should receive these taxing rights.
—Nana Ama Sarfo, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2025
The compound 7-OH is a naturally occurring substance in the kratom plant (Mitragyna speciosa), according to the FDA, but only a minor component comprising less than 2% of the alkaloid content in natural kratom leaves.
—Natalie Neysa Alund, USA Today, 31 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for substance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for substance
Noun
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For organizations that haven’t yet embraced AI, now may be a good time to begin exploring its potential.—
Razzak Jallow,
Forbes.com,
7 Aug. 2025
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Voice queries are processed through xAI’s servers, and while Grok has potential as a co-pilot,Tesla has not released any specific goals or timelines in that direction.—
IEEE Spectrum,
IEEE Spectrum,
7 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Overall, the performances from these past two days captured the essence of breaking about as well as possible given the context.—
Jason Pu,
Forbes.com,
17 Aug. 2025
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In essence, the proposals involve Kyiv surrendering territory in the Donbas region of eastern Ukraine, in exchange for a ceasefire, an idea the Ukrainian leadership has firmly ruled out.—
Matthew Chance,
CNN Money,
14 Aug. 2025
Noun
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As more women business owners like Brown conquer their version of Heartbreak Hill, the impact ripples outward—through jobs created, neighborhoods revitalized, and wealth built over generations.—
Geri Stengel,
Forbes.com,
13 Aug. 2025
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Cincinnati’s local television stations have had a wealth of memorable newscasters and hosts over the years, from pioneers in the industry to one of the most famous names on TV.—
Jeff Suess,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
12 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Another spectator was reportedly hit by the object.—
Jackson Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
8 Aug. 2025
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The illusion comes from how our brains interpret visual cues, especially when comparing the moon to nearby objects like trees or buildings.—
Daisy Dobrijevic,
Space.com,
8 Aug. 2025
Noun
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The Crocs platform sandals are made from EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) material, which is known for providing optimal cushioning and shock absorption for daily wear.—
Destinee Scott,
Travel + Leisure,
7 Aug. 2025
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House proportions, window placement and even the materials used all play into the traditional style of home building seen throughout Union Village, Obringer said.—
Victoria Moorwood,
The Enquirer,
7 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Lockhart turns these arresting settings into her own stage, capturing the vivid blues and greens of nature, and the remote island’s distinctive geology and geography, while the children at play within the landscapes bring movement and surprise to her extended static takes.—
Christian Zilko,
IndieWire,
7 Aug. 2025
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Lalami clearly needed a way to get Sara home to end the book, and springing her in this way is consistent with the arbitrary nature of her incarceration and the mercurial behavior of her keepers.—
Book Marks
August 7,
Literary Hub,
7 Aug. 2025
Noun
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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
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The dots represented arts organizations, creative businesses, studios, galleries, performance venues, and cultural and historic assets.—
Jim Woods,
Chicago Tribune,
14 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Any entities working in weather modification must report all activities to NOAA under the Weather Modification Reporting Act.—
Hayleigh Evans,
AZCentral.com,
17 Aug. 2025
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The principle recognizes the legal rights of natural entities, such as rivers, mountains, ecosystems or even something as specific as wild rice.—
Dana Zartner,
Space.com,
17 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Substance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/substance. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025.
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