as in substantial
sufficiently large in size, amount, or number to merit attention
they've made substantive changes in the nightly newscast
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in nominal
Related Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of substantive
Benjamin Laker, Forbes.com, 26 Jan. 2026
But there was a deeper, more substantive reason for the shift in his attitude.
—Jason Zengerle, New Yorker, 24 Jan. 2026
Los Angeles Times, 17 Nov. 2022
Only seventeen members of Harmony, the party that represents the Russian minority and commands a substantive if declining amount of support, and two nonaffiliated members were opposed.
—Gordon F. Sander, The New York Review of Books, 6 July 2022
See All Example Sentences for substantive
Adjective
Adaptation becomes incremental rather than substantive.
—Benjamin Laker, Forbes.com, 26 Jan. 2026
But there was a deeper, more substantive reason for the shift in his attitude.
—Jason Zengerle, New Yorker, 24 Jan. 2026
Noun
California’s climate agenda mixes the symbolic with the substantive.
—Los Angeles Times, 17 Nov. 2022
Only seventeen members of Harmony, the party that represents the Russian minority and commands a substantive if declining amount of support, and two nonaffiliated members were opposed.
—Gordon F. Sander, The New York Review of Books, 6 July 2022
See All Example Sentences for substantive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for substantive
Adjective
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Yet these shady financing deals can leave survivors owing substantial fees and interest, sometimes consuming a significant portion of any eventual award.—
Jaime Huff,
Oc Register,
31 Jan. 2026
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Throughout the show – which launched with a DJ set by longtime Carey friend and producer Jermaine Dupri – Carey’s admirers dug into her substantial catalog with gusto.—
Melissa Ruggieri,
USA Today,
31 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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An Australian study of advanced brain images found significant alterations even among people who had already recovered from mild infections — a possible explanation for cognitive deficits that may persist for years.—
Stephanie Armour,
CBS News,
27 Jan. 2026
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The burial ground dates back to a significant time in English history, when regional kingdoms started to form and consolidate power.—
Andrea Margolis,
FOXNews.com,
27 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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By the time it was released there had already been early reviews and considerable buzz.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
2 Feb. 2026
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As of press time, prices are hovering around $4,400 per ounce, about double the price just two years ago, drawing the attention of criminal groups looking to abuse the land and the local people for considerable profit.—
Jill Newman,
Robb Report,
1 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
That presently appears to be a sizable challenge; the Padres lost several key players in free agency, and their only notable acquisitions have been the return of starting pitcher Michael King and the addition of infielder Sung-Mun Song.—
Dennis Lin,
New York Times,
1 Feb. 2026
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Nearly 350,000 Haitians are set to lose their TPS this week, and a sizeable share of them care for older Americans.—
Tami Luhby,
CNN Money,
1 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Substantive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/substantive. Accessed 5 Feb. 2026.
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