1
as in unsubstantial
being of a material lacking in sturdiness or substance
an insubstantial carton that could not possibly stand up during long-distance shipping
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in spiritual
not composed of matter
energy is insubstantial
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of insubstantial
Scarlet’s good intentions to end wars by way of sheer determination to do what’s right might prove insubstantial in practice.
—
Carlos Aguilar,
Los Angeles Times,
6 Feb. 2026
Oliver Rackham, the great historian of the British countryside, devoted a not insubstantial portion of his career to rebutting this claim, noting that there is no evidence whatsoever to suggest that these punishments were ever carried out.
—
Rosa Lyster,
Harpers Magazine,
30 Dec. 2025
And since the lesser and insubstantial always has to give place to the greater and substantial, self-indulgent lust has no choice but to make way for our reflection of pure and perfect Love.
—
Tony Lobl,
Christian Science Monitor,
28 Oct. 2025
These insubstantial claims did not improve much after the European powers departed.
—
Michael Barnes,
Austin American Statesman,
2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for insubstantial
Carlos Aguilar,
Los Angeles Times,
6 Feb. 2026
Oliver Rackham, the great historian of the British countryside, devoted a not insubstantial portion of his career to rebutting this claim, noting that there is no evidence whatsoever to suggest that these punishments were ever carried out.
—
Rosa Lyster,
Harpers Magazine,
30 Dec. 2025
And since the lesser and insubstantial always has to give place to the greater and substantial, self-indulgent lust has no choice but to make way for our reflection of pure and perfect Love.
—
Tony Lobl,
Christian Science Monitor,
28 Oct. 2025
These insubstantial claims did not improve much after the European powers departed.
—
Michael Barnes,
Austin American Statesman,
2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for insubstantial
Recent Examples of Synonyms for insubstantial
Adjective
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Roadmaps are frequently high-level and unsubstantial.
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This can alter the amount and types of ACE-inhibiting peptides created during fermentation2—and possibly account for kombucha's unsubstantial effect on blood pressure.
Adjective
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India’s religious and spiritual economy was estimated at roughly $58 billion in 2025, and is projected to grow steadily over the next decade.
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Amid a host of synthetic textures, the batá grounds the record in its spiritual reference; only the twins’ perspective changes.
Adjective
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Some had Trumpian golden eagles atop the roofs, and a flimsy triumphal arch stood at the center beside the Ferris wheel.
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Unlike modern sports trading cards, which are not only hefty but often bedazzled with autographs, jersey patches, and random holograms, the Panini stickers are flimsy and meant to be abused.
Adjective
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Positioned as a large-scale genre event, the series updates the legendary SFX property with a contemporary political and social edge, with Shun Oguri leading the cast as a detective hunting a seemingly incorporeal killer.
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Christ Jesus’ example shows us how to turn away from material definitions of life by getting to know God as incorporeal divine Life.
Adjective
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But a gossamer jacket tossed over a swimsuit on a breezy evening?
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The type of memory flashbacks that are shot at knee level, gauzy and out of focus, with a gossamer visual touch to conjure whispering, buried emotions of the past.
Adjective
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In both the real and metaphysical locations of the show, the backgrounds are all painted by hand, something which was pointed out took up a lot of time due to the number of paintings in the show and due to the number of montages.
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In the 18th century Samuel Johnson coined the term metaphysical poets to criticize Donne, John Cleveland, and Abraham Cowley.
Adjective
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His look also stands out due to his unique and frothy red beard, and colorful tattoos across his entire torso.
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The bold bedroom trends of the past 10 years—think high-glam furniture, frothy bedding, and stark color schemes—are giving way to simpler and softer rooms with an emphasis on warmth.
Adjective
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The money, in Gupta’s view, is immaterial.
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The fact that it was conceived without thought and for decades was produced and consumed without thought is immaterial.
Cite this Entry
“Insubstantial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/insubstantial. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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