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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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 The surgery is often needed to relieve symptoms of coronary artery disease, which occurs when plaque — a waxy substance primarily consisting of cholesterol, fat, calcium, and cellular waste products — builds up in the heart and associated arteries, according to Harvard Health. Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 17 July 2025 Several substances like charcoal, rock salt, cat litter, and baking soda can help to draw moisture out of the air. Hallie Milstein, Southern Living, 17 July 2025 Clinicians often prescribe medications used to treat similar disorders, such as substance use disorders. Wendy Wisner, Health, 9 July 2025 Friday offers a multi-perspective interrogation of substance use on the album, recounting the highs and lows and the gray area in between. Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 9 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for substance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for substance
Noun
  • Sometimes the products that cause injury, or have the potential to do so, may seem fairly innocent.
    Anna Commander, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 July 2025
  • 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
Noun
  • 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
  • Beyond the Full Moon Dinner Series, the Omni Mount Washington Resort also offers a wealth of other activities that are perfect for a full immersion into the beauty of the White Mountains.
    Jared Ranahan, Forbes.com, 20 July 2025
  • There's a wealth of options these days, from little soft-sided coolers perfect for a day trip to heavy-duty, high-performance wheeled coolers with ice retention times that seem to defy the sun—like our top pick, the Yeti Tundra Haul ($450).
    Louryn Strampe, Wired News, 20 July 2025
Noun
  • That’s much larger than the two previous interstellar objects, ‘Oumuamua in 2017 and comet 2I/Borisov in 2019.
    Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025
  • My life is my people, the gentle hills of the Marche region, and the objects that hold and transmit emotions.
    Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 15 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
  • 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
  • However, that balanced nature can sometimes be a hindrance.
    Kara Nesvig, Parents, 15 July 2025
  • Known for its commitment to wellness, sustainability and experiential luxury, the Six Senses brand creates immersive sanctuaries that connect guests to nature, community and self.
    Roger Sands, Forbes.com, 15 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
  • 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
  • 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

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Cite this Entry

“Substance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/substance. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

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