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
3
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Other pioneering research teams are advancing understanding of how sleep affects memory and brain development, how social media impacts adolescent mental health, and how brain and environmental factors influence risk for substance use disorders. Miami Herald, 8 July 2025 And nearly a fifth of workers in both industries have a substance use disorder, double the rate among all U.S. workers, according to a report from NORC at the University of Chicago and the National Safety Council. Aneri Pattani, CBS News, 8 July 2025 Meanwhile, substance use crept from just under 1 to nearly 2 from 2019 to 2022, according to a new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 July 2025 When compared to extraversion, conscientiousness is more strongly related to academic success, work performance and lower rates of substance use. Jasmine Mote, Scientific American, 7 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for substance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for substance
Noun
  • Finance leaders play a vital role in ensuring the organization’s technology modernization journey delivers maximum value by identifying the modernization initiatives offering the highest ROI potential with the lowest project execution risk.
    Jim DeLoach, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
  • In a world where many young people often feel overlooked, this program reminds them that they are seen, supported, and surrounded by people who believe in their potential.
    Essence, Essence, 14 July 2025
Noun
  • Given that it is supposed to be a raw, honest re-telling of a couple finding light amid disaster, The Observer report called the very essence of the book into question.
    Max Goldbart, Deadline, 11 July 2025
  • In essence, when both partners practice emotional sovereignty, the relationship becomes a safer space for growth.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025
Noun
  • Her somewhat implausible problem is that her bad feelings—her irritation, her boredom—never register as such because of her beauty, her wealth, and her pedigree; so great is her beauty that even her nastiest moods feel like a sunny glow to others.
    Claire Jarvis, New Yorker, 8 July 2025
  • Michael Ashley Schulman, chief investment officer at wealth management company Running Point Capital, told Reuters that the lingering contract negotiations could cause Canada Post’s share to drop into the teens by December 2026.
    Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 8 July 2025
Noun
  • The agency recommends against carrying any metal objects, including umbrellas.
    Kerry Breen July 5, CBS News, 5 July 2025
  • Showcasing over 350 spectacular jewels and bejeweled objects, the vast and varied Victoria and Albert exhibit burnishes the Cartier brand and is attracting hordes, despite its steep ticket prices.
    Kyle Roderick, Forbes.com, 5 July 2025
Noun
  • 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
  • Built with lightweight, durable materials, the bag showed no signs of wear even after rigorous testing at a local club.
    Will Porter, Travel + Leisure, 14 July 2025
Noun
  • This combination of diagnostic capability with a conversational nature and flow is a key differentiator for Beauty Genius, which was unveiled by L’Oréal chief executive officer Nicolas Hieronimus at the 2024 Consumer Electronic Show in Las Vegas.
    Noor Lobad, Footwear News, 1 July 2025
  • But her competitive nature doesn’t turn off even at home.
    Brian Truitt, USA Today, 1 July 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 content and opinions expressed are solely those of the entities mentioned and/or quoted in this article and do not represent those of the publication.
    Daniel Fusch, USA Today, 12 July 2025
  • Those recent struggles have led the French Professional League to shake up its structure and become an entity owned by French clubs and private equity, following the successful model of the Premier League.
    Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 11 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Substance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/substance. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

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