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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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 Using human cell models, French researchers demonstrated that mixtures of food additives can behave in unexpected and more toxic ways than individual substances alone. Jenny Lehmann, Discover Magazine, 10 Apr. 2025 Alcohol Awareness Month is a time to raise awareness of this disorder, which is the most common substance use disorder in the United States. Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 9 Apr. 2025 But once Mulaney talked his wife Olivia Munn into giving him the cash because he’s not allowed to have more than $300 in cash due to his past issues with substance abuse, the manager then requested $100,000 and finally the Everybody’s Live crew began to notice the red flags. Angel Diaz, Billboard, 4 Apr. 2025 Whalers also brought spermaceti, a waxy substance that comes from a sperm whale’s head and is used to produce candles and lubricants for precision machinery like watches and clocks. Austin Choi-Fitzpatrick, The Conversation, 4 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for substance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for substance
Noun
  • But if Game 1 is any indication, this has the potential to be a short one.
    Julian McKenzie, New York Times, 21 Apr. 2025
  • Each year, Christians celebrate this resurrection at Easter and marvel at the potential for the moribund to become filled with life again.
    Joshua Stanton, New York Daily News, 20 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Accompanied by sweeping string arrangements and powerful blaring horns, the song encapsulates the essence of modern mariachi while staying rooted in its timeless traditions.
    Isabela Raygoza, Billboard, 18 Apr. 2025
  • Pretty much, Orji’s focus for the live format isn’t to recreate what’s been done before, but making the experience her own while staying true to the essence of the show.
    Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 18 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Trump argues his tariff policy will generate vast wealth for the country, allowing tax rates to drop even further.
    Trevor Hughes, USA Today, 28 Apr. 2025
  • Naomi Girma has played just over 100 minutes for the team across three matches but has a wealth of experience in big games.
    Tamerra Griffin, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Do not approach water, wet objects, or metal items.
    KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT, Kansas City Star, 25 Apr. 2025
  • The ring both reveals the existence of the background object and magnifies it.
    Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Meanwhile, the air force is increasing its dependence on Chinese components such as chips and rare-earth materials.
    MICHAEL BROWN, Foreign Affairs, 22 Apr. 2025
  • They can be made from many materials, though leather is generally considered to be the best.
    BestReviews, Mercury News, 22 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Featuring a 130-foot-wide (39.3m) mirror, the ELT will study the universe in visible light to provide a more detailed view of potentially habitable exoplanets, the formation of the first galaxies, supermassive black holes, and the nature of dark matter and dark energy.
    Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 23 Apr. 2025
  • States rely on, and benefit from, the expertise and bipartisan nature of the FTC to protect their consumers.
    Ross Rosenfeld, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • In the complaint, Aaron asks that neither party be awarded alimony and that both parties' community assets and debts are in accordance with Nevada law.
    Ingrid Vasquez, People.com, 14 Mar. 2025
  • The dots represented arts organizations, creative businesses, studios, galleries, performance venues, and cultural and historic assets.
    Jim Woods, Chicago Tribune, 14 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The shortest answer to this question is that a violin and a fiddle are structurally the same instrument, but it can certainly be argued that a fiddle is its own entity.
    Katherine Polcari, Southern Living, 19 Apr. 2025
  • This year, the two entities solicited corporations to donate $75,000 to $200,000 in sponsorships with the promise of on-campus branding and logo displays typically banned due to concerns of private gain spurred by taxpayer dollars.
    Ashleigh Fields, The Hill, 19 Apr. 2025

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“Substance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/substance. Accessed 30 Apr. 2025.

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