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 Residents with experiences living with mental illness and substance abuse will sit on a new commission, advising the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors on how to improve behavioral health policy, programs and procedures in the region. Emma Hall, Sacbee.com, 21 May 2025 Later, to try to regain custody of his kids, the patient sought out intensive rehabilitation for substance use, prosecutors said. Natalie Demaree, Miami Herald, 21 May 2025 Last year, before his arrest, a video of Jordan allegedly sniffing an unidentified white substance went viral, resulting in social media criticism. Demicia Inman, VIBE.com, 20 May 2025 For certain foods or substances that cause allergies or other hypersensitivity reactions, there are more specific labeling requirements. Jasmine Laws, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for substance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for substance
Noun
  • In other practice sessions not open to the media, Star-Telegram sources have said that Milton has had multiple eye-popping throws downfield that give a glimpse into his potential.
    Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 May 2025
  • Our own data showed an uptick in the organizational adoption of AI, indicating transformative potential.
    Brian Jackson, Forbes.com, 27 May 2025
Noun
  • Palpatine returns Though his body may have been destroyed during the Battle of Endor, Palpatine survived in secret for years by transferring his essence to clone bodies.
    Nick Romano, EW.com, 25 May 2025
  • Penny Hotel Williamsburg The intimate Penny Hotel, nestled in Williamsburg's core, perfectly captures the neighborhood's artistic essence.
    Malik Peay, USA Today, 24 May 2025
Noun
  • She’s had so much ambition and drive in her life to get to the top of the social mountain and have this incredible wealth.
    Lexi Carson, HollywoodReporter, 2 June 2025
  • Suspicion grew over how the son accumulated such wealth – especially as Prime Minister Oyun-Erdene campaigned on being from a rural, not wealthy family.
    Helen Regan, CNN Money, 2 June 2025
Noun
  • Keep a distance from water, wet articles, and metal objects.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 31 May 2025
  • The discovery marks the first time that such objects, called long-period transients, have been detected in X-rays, the team said in announcing the findings.
    Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 31 May 2025
Noun
  • These temperatures can also degrade and even destroy the structure of standard materials.
    Micah McCartney, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 May 2025
  • This highlights the feasibility of utilizing agricultural waste materials, like rice straw, in developing sustainable and efficient water purification systems.
    Dr. Reji Thomas, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
Noun
  • The Kansas State coach demands aggressiveness from his players, but Inoue’s nature is to avoid risks in the game.
    Mitch Sherman, New York Times, 29 May 2025
  • The competitive nature of the auditions sends the message that there’s always someone else willing to do the work and take your spot.
    Lynnette Nicholas, Parents, 29 May 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 people holding top leadership positions at the charter and the third-party entity are also often the same people or are related, raising concerns about conflicts of interest.
    Kristen Taketa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 May 2025
  • That would give the president free reign to create entities to get around transparency laws, CREW told the Supreme Court.
    Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 24 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Substance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/substance. Accessed 5 Jun. 2025.

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