1
as in essences
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
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2
as in entities
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of substances
Fentanyl test strips, which are decriminalized in Florida, have also helped residents avoid using substances tainted with fentanyl.
—
Ana Goñi-Lessan, Miami Herald, 14 May 2026
Most substances of abuse—from cocaine to alcohol—lead to a surge of dopamine in the basal ganglia when these drugs are initially encountered and their stimulating effects are not predictable.
—Literary Hub, 13 May 2026
Several substances like charcoal, rock salt, cat litter, and baking soda can help to draw moisture out of the air.
—Hallie Milstein, Southern Living, 13 May 2026
More information as to these substances’ potential could be coming.
—Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 13 May 2026
According to Firstman, as the substances changed in many American clubs, so did the emotional atmosphere surrounding some parts of LGBTQ culture.
—Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 13 May 2026
Those include prioritizing sleep, regularly exercising, avoiding risky substances like alcohol, limiting sodium, and managing stress.
—Julia Ries Wexler, Health, 12 May 2026
Herbs, coffee, probiotics, or other substances are sometimes added to the water.
—Erica Sweeney, Time, 11 May 2026
Many people use substances without developing addiction.
—Jonathan Avery, STAT, 11 May 2026
Ana Goñi-Lessan, Miami Herald, 14 May 2026
Most substances of abuse—from cocaine to alcohol—lead to a surge of dopamine in the basal ganglia when these drugs are initially encountered and their stimulating effects are not predictable.
—Literary Hub, 13 May 2026
Several substances like charcoal, rock salt, cat litter, and baking soda can help to draw moisture out of the air.
—Hallie Milstein, Southern Living, 13 May 2026
More information as to these substances’ potential could be coming.
—Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 13 May 2026
According to Firstman, as the substances changed in many American clubs, so did the emotional atmosphere surrounding some parts of LGBTQ culture.
—Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 13 May 2026
Those include prioritizing sleep, regularly exercising, avoiding risky substances like alcohol, limiting sodium, and managing stress.
—Julia Ries Wexler, Health, 12 May 2026
Herbs, coffee, probiotics, or other substances are sometimes added to the water.
—Erica Sweeney, Time, 11 May 2026
Many people use substances without developing addiction.
—Jonathan Avery, STAT, 11 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for substances
Noun
-
Like almost all modern iterations of music, the genre of Catalan rumba has evolved alongside streaming-era influences and the younger generations of musicians who have taken up its sonic essences and distilled them through their own lenses.—
Chris Barilla,
PEOPLE,
8 May 2026
-
Many imitation almond extracts or essences rely on synthetic benzaldehyde for flavor, which can create saccharine notes that overpower delicate desserts like custards, sponges, or pastry creams.—
Emily Saladino,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
9 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The 2016 act authorizes the president to impose economic sanctions and visa bans on foreign individuals or entities worldwide responsible for gross human rights abuses or significant corruption.—
Nora Gámez Torres,
Miami Herald,
18 May 2026
-
As the February deadline approached, Epstein’s entities had not finished leaving the bank.—
Lily Mae Lazarus,
Fortune,
17 May 2026
Noun
-
These observations suggest that small, mysterious moons with surprisingly different natures are the source of the particles that make up the two outermost rings, and that there are probably even more undiscovered moons to add to the 29 already known around Uranus.—
Keith Cooper,
Space.com,
22 Apr. 2026
-
Last month, a Los Angeles jury found social media giants Meta and Google failed to warn children about the addictive natures of their platforms.—
Drew Aunkst,
CBS News,
21 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
As a first-time smart telescope user, I was initially overwhelmed by the sheer number of objects available in the Vaonis' Singularity app — galaxies, nebulas and star clusters all just a tap away.—
Daisy Dobrijevic,
Space.com,
15 May 2026
-
It’s traditionally been difficult to catch such speedy travelers, at least without a survey that can pick out very faint objects at a rapid pace.—
Quanta Magazine,
Quanta Magazine,
15 May 2026
Noun
-
As the most discerning, up-to-the-minute voice in all things travel, Condé Nast Traveler is the global citizen’s bible and muse, offering both inspiration and vital intel.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
20 May 2026
-
Or, in this case, cutting things up with scissors and tossing them around.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
20 May 2026
Noun
-
Like its gruesome predecessors, his latest full-length work features adorably designed anthropomorphic animals (and mushrooms) navigating bleak realities and confronting existentialist concerns.—
Carlos Aguilar,
Variety,
15 May 2026
-
The book explores codependency, mental health and the realities of sustaining love under pressure.—
Jesse Whittock,
Deadline,
15 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Substances.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/substances. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
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