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 As some people have already noticed, the drugs appear to cut the risk for some substance use disorders, including addictions to opioids, alcohol, stimulants and sedatives. Brenda Goodman, CNN, 20 Jan. 2025 For those in the cannabis industry, the delay was cause for some concern, as rescheduling to Schedule III stands to help their businesses make deductions or add credit to their annual federal taxes, something businesses that deal with Schedule I or Schedule II substances can’t do. Joseph Choi, The Hill, 18 Jan. 2025 Some substances released when plastics and other materials are burnt may increase the risk of certain cancers when inhaled—such as benzene or formaldehyde. Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 9 Jan. 2025 Almost everyone Sanders associated with in the NFL saw the style initially but the substance eventually. David Ubben, The Athletic, 9 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for substance 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for substance
Noun
  • The new price target indicates just around 5% upside potential from where shares closed Friday.
    Hakyung Kim, CNBC, 27 Jan. 2025
  • There’s still concern about the potential for mudslides and rockslides in L.A. County areas recently burned by wildfire.
    Rong-Gong Lin II, Los Angeles Times, 27 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Speed is of the essence in digital publishing, where breaking news is only relevant for a few hours at a time.
    Benjamin Mullin, New York Times, 23 Jan. 2025
  • Knowing time was of the essence, Drew and Joyce got in touch with local media outlets and handed out missing person fliers.
    Alex Gurley, People.com, 23 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • But what's glaringly absent is a discussion of how this influx of wealth impacts the working class in these areas.
    Kristen Waggoner, Newsweek, 22 Jan. 2025
  • The Washington Post: Under the Rotunda, a historic concentration of wealth salutes Trump.
    Alexis Simendinger, The Hill, 21 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • The idea was to challenge conventions and create an artistic interpretation of a horological object.
    Sophie Furley, Robb Report, 31 Jan. 2025
  • Abraham, as his recorded voice speaks, adds to this sense of attention by embracing the tape machine itself, a big object on his desk which is the size of a suitcase.
    Helen Shaw, The New Yorker, 31 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
    Zach Schonfeld, The Hill, 28 Jan. 2025
  • The shrinking ranks of American donors matters because philanthropy plays a prominent role in fulfilling Americans’ spiritual, intellectual and material needs and aspirations for people of all backgrounds.
    Una Osili, The Conversation, 28 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • The freak nature of Scheffler’s injury was not lost on some of his fellow professionals.
    Ben Church, CNN, 29 Jan. 2025
  • The open-source nature of Janus Pro enhances its accessibility, allowing a broader user base to experiment and innovate without significant financial barriers.
    Quartz Intelligence Newsroom, Quartz, 29 Jan. 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
  • At issue between the two politicians is far more than personal feelings: California will require billions in federal aid to rebuild, and local and state entities are banking on large-scale reimbursements for their spending.
    Julia Wick, Los Angeles Times, 25 Jan. 2025
  • The government alleges that the related entities were shell companies or companies that were previously operational but no longer active.
    Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes, 25 Jan. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Substance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/substance. Accessed 3 Feb. 2025.

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