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
as in essence
the quality or qualities that make a thing what it is
tireless caring and nurturing that was the very substance of maternal love
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in wealth
the total of one's money and property
measure the worth of a person not by his earthly substance but by his good deeds
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
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Recent Examples of substance
Passionate voices filled the room to express their concerns about the consistent rise of drugs, crime and substance abuse impacting their communities.
—
Lauren-Kennedy Brown, Charlotte Observer, 1 Aug. 2025
At Ono Steaks And Shrimp Shack Of course, a food tour isn’t complete without something of substance.
—Ronny Maye, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2025
Research is underway to develop concentrated versions of this substance from chia seed oil.1
In addition to the moisturizing properties of chia seed oil, studies suggest that the chia seeds' ability to retain moisture can also be harnessed for pharmaceutical and cosmetic purposes.2
2.
—Rachael Zimlich, Verywell Health, 21 July 2025
These substances have already been banned by several U.S. states and the European Union.
—Rachel Treisman, NPR, 21 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for substance
Lauren-Kennedy Brown, Charlotte Observer, 1 Aug. 2025
At Ono Steaks And Shrimp Shack Of course, a food tour isn’t complete without something of substance.
—Ronny Maye, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2025
Research is underway to develop concentrated versions of this substance from chia seed oil.1
In addition to the moisturizing properties of chia seed oil, studies suggest that the chia seeds' ability to retain moisture can also be harnessed for pharmaceutical and cosmetic purposes.2
2.
—Rachael Zimlich, Verywell Health, 21 July 2025
These substances have already been banned by several U.S. states and the European Union.
—Rachel Treisman, NPR, 21 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for substance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for substance
Noun
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But amid the poverty and limited means, Espinoza saw something more powerful: An area rich in human potential.—
Daniel Fusch,
USA Today,
26 July 2025
-
Sometimes the products that cause injury, or have the potential to do so, may seem fairly innocent.—
Anna Commander,
MSNBC Newsweek,
26 July 2025
Noun
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With continuation funds, asset managers in essence are using new investors’ money to pay off old ones.—
Hank Tucker,
Forbes.com,
24 July 2025
-
The miscommunication that Scorsese’s blurb refers to as the essence of our crise is the product of both political tragedy and B-movie sensationalism.—
Armond White,
National Review,
23 July 2025
Noun
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That’s true even though there’s a wealth of papers finding that empowering employees willing to challenge the company line is better for results in the long run.—
Alex Knapp,
Forbes.com,
1 Aug. 2025
-
Back then, Iconiq was a wealth management firm for Silicon Valley’s elite and had not yet set up its venture arm.—
Reed Albergotti,
semafor.com,
1 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Some of the thieving monkeys can even differentiate between objects of high value to humans — like phones and glasses — and items humans do not value as much, such as hair clips and hats, the WSJ reported.—
Sophia Compton,
FOXNews.com,
30 July 2025
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In addition to staying on the boardwalk and trails, park officials recommend visitors avoid touching thermal areas or runoff, and avoid throwing objects into hot springs.—
David Chiu,
People.com,
30 July 2025
Noun
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Similar to mesh ballet flats, another trending warm-weather shoe that plays with sheer materials, jelly sandals offer all-important airflow.—
Jake Henry Smith,
Glamour,
15 July 2025
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The actor and musician is currently touring his latest LP Based on a True Story — his first full-length album of solo material since 2005's Lost and Found — with a performance set for Cardiff Castle on Aug. 25, just days after Welsh legend Sir Tom Jones will take the stage.—
Shania Russell,
EW.com,
14 July 2025
Noun
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The director’s philosophical approach to the project draws from observations of nature, particularly how rainforests sustain themselves through symbiotic relationships.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
28 July 2025
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Across the United States, in California, Colorado, Kansas, New Mexico and Texas, tens of thousands of tarantulas will being crawling out of their burrows in search of females – making for a fascinating, if a little creepy – display of the wonders of nature.—
Elizabeth Weise,
USA Today,
28 July 2025
Noun
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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
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The dots represented arts organizations, creative businesses, studios, galleries, performance venues, and cultural and historic assets.—
Jim Woods,
Chicago Tribune,
14 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Another option is for business owners to create jobs for Indians in entities both locally and abroad, Kumar said.—
Amala Balakrishner,
CNBC,
24 July 2025
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Some stations may find monetary support as applicants for national pots of money, Rooney said, but most, and likely all, funding will come from local and regional entities.—
Cate Charron,
IndyStar,
24 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Substance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/substance. Accessed 5 Aug. 2025.
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