sub·stan·ti·ate
səb-ˈstan(t)-shē-ˌāt 
substantiated; substantiating
sub·stan·ti·a·tion
plural -s
1
: an act of substantiating (as by proving)
2
: something adduced as proof : evidence
Examples of substantiate in a Sentence
Verb
substantiated his claim to local mountaineering fame with a photo of himself on the summit of Mount McKinley
Mr. MacGregor couldn't substantiate that it was Peter, and not some other rabbit, in the cabbage patch.
Recent Examples on the Web
Oscar Holland, CNN Money, 17 June 2026
The lawsuit claims that, in letters sent in April, the school district reported investigating the incidents and substantiating the events.
—Los Angeles Times, 16 June 2026
When first observed by Europeans, it was thought to induce vomiting (hence its scientific name), but these properties are not substantiated.
—Randi Gollin, Martha Stewart, 12 June 2026
The findings of that report haven’t been publicized, but several of the allegations were substantiated, while others were not, according to Boggie’s lawsuit.
—Alex Brizee, Idaho Statesman, 10 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for substantiate
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.
Verb
Among the Cambodians to exploit the instability was Toek Tik, a once-impoverished former Khmer Rouge foot soldier whose confessions helped investigators substantiate some of their claims against Latchford.
—Oscar Holland, CNN Money, 17 June 2026
The lawsuit claims that, in letters sent in April, the school district reported investigating the incidents and substantiating the events.
—Los Angeles Times, 16 June 2026
When first observed by Europeans, it was thought to induce vomiting (hence its scientific name), but these properties are not substantiated.
—Randi Gollin, Martha Stewart, 12 June 2026
The findings of that report haven’t been publicized, but several of the allegations were substantiated, while others were not, according to Boggie’s lawsuit.
—Alex Brizee, Idaho Statesman, 10 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for substantiate
Cite this Entry
“Substantiate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/substantiate. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
substantiate
verb
sub·stan·ti·ate
səb-ˈstan-chē-ˌāt
substantiated; substantiating
1
: to give substance or form to : embody
2
: to establish by proof or evidence
substantiate a claim
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
