substance

noun

ˈsəb-stən(t)s How to pronounce substance (audio)
Definition of substancenext
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
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

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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

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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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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
  1. potential
  2. essence
  3. wealth
  4. object
  5. material
  6. nature
  7. assets
  8. entity
Noun
  • Investor Impact And Final Thoughts Investors should approach the potential for privatization of further industries in the U.S. with a balanced perspective, recognizing both the potential for financial gain and the broader societal impacts.
    — Cicely Jones, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025
  • He's been trying to figure out how to live without it for three years and now the potential of getting it back exists.
    — EW Staff, EW.com, 28 Mar. 2025
Definition of potential
Noun
  • Disney had that touch about sort of distilling it to the pure essence of something.
    — Jim Ryan, Forbes, 25 Mar. 2025
  • And time, the most quantifiable asset of all, is off the essence.
    — Dieter Kurtenbach, The Mercury News, 24 Mar. 2025
Definition of essence
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
  • Poulter plays a radically un-self-aware scion of a billionaire family in A24’s absurdist comedy about wealth and privilege (which also stars Jenna Ortega, Paul Rudd and Téa Leoni).
    — Seija Rankin, HollywoodReporter, 3 Apr. 2025
Definition of wealth
Noun
  • From our perspective on and around Earth, wavelengths of light emanating from cosmic objects actually go from the bluer section of the spectrum to the red section, and then tread into infrared waters.
    — Monisha Ravisetti, Space.com, 1 Apr. 2025
  • Maintain a safe distance from water, wet items, and metal objects.
    — NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 1 Apr. 2025
Definition of object
Noun
  • The lead time to plan, permit, build, and bring to operational capacity powerplants, auto, battery, semiconductor and building materials manufacturing facilities, plus other large scale copper consuming projects, is substantial.
    — Sal Gilbertie, Forbes.com, 29 Mar. 2025
  • Think softer tones, pastels, or floral prints, and materials like cotton, linen, or chiffon.
    — Shelby Wax, Vogue, 29 Mar. 2025
Definition of material
Noun
  • The precise nature of the impact has varied worldwide, depending on the role USAID played in the network of funding streams contributing to each country’s TB program.
    — Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 30 Mar. 2025
  • The PJs are made with 95 percent viscose from bamboo, a fabric known for its soft, breathable nature.
    — Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 30 Mar. 2025
Definition of nature
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
Definition of assets
Noun
  • And yet the funding bill passed by Congress and signed into law by Trump earlier this month included $535 million for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, the entity that disburses funds to 1,500 local radio and TV stations.
    — Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 26 Mar. 2025
  • Dollar Tree, an excellent operator, bought Family Dollar, a terrible entity, for almost $9 billion a decade ago.
    — Jim Cramer, CNBC, 26 Mar. 2025
Definition of entity

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substance
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Cite this Entry

“Substance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/substance. Accessed 8 Apr. 2025.

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