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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
2
3
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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
  • For example, vehicles can collect information on traffic beyond other vehicles, busy bike paths, parking lots and other variables that ultimately make driving in this area safer, reducing the potential for road accidents involving non-vehicle victims.
    Mark Pittman, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Bob’s voice is so hard, and his essence is so hard.
    Mike Fleming Jr, Deadline, 2 Mar. 2025
  • In essence, the Israelis want phase one to continue – the exchange of hostages, alive and deceased, in return for the continued release of Palestinian prisoners and the flow of higher volumes of aid into Gaza.
    Ibrahim Dahman, CNN, 1 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Unfortunately, though, the wealth isn’t trickling down to average workers.
    William Pesek, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025
  • By pressuring Ukraine to hand over much of its mineral wealth in exchange for protection, Trump is undermining not just U.S. foreign policy traditions but the entire architecture of international relations that has maintained peace since 1945.
    Ross Rosenfeld, Newsweek, 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
  • Where Haugerud really mines laughs is in the responses first of Johanne’s grandmother, Karin (Anne Marit Jacobsen), and later her single mother, Kristen (Ane Dahl Torp), to the material.
    David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 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
  • Translated, the more dollars that any entity is expected to collect in the future, the easier that entity will find borrowing.
    John Tamny, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2025
  • Down payment assistance Offered by lenders, government agencies and other entities, down payment assistance (or DPA) programs provide a grant or loan toward a down payment, closing costs or other upfront expenses.
    Kelsey Neubauer, CNBC, 28 Feb. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Substance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/substance. Accessed 6 Mar. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on substance

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!