substances

noun

Definition of substancesnext
plural of substance
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

Relevance
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 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 substances The National Renewable Energy Laboratory has developed turbine blades constructed from recycled plant substances using sugars extracted from wood, plant residues, used cooking oil, and agricultural waste. — Ariel Cohen, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024 Others who've tested mushroom edible products have also documented a variety of undisclosed substances, as NPR reported earlier this year. — Will Stone, NPR, 21 Dec. 2024 However, there was also a mixture of other substances, including a synthetic version of psilocybin, the prescription anticonvulsant drug pregabalin and the supplement kava. — Will Stone, NPR, 21 Dec. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for substances
  1. entities
  2. things
  3. realities
Noun
  • Musk's push has essentially eliminated both entities.
    — arkansasonline.com, arkansasonline.com, 11 Mar. 2025
  • As Senate Bill 1 stands, homeowners will receive $24 relief a month while local entities will lose a significant amount of funding, Andrade said.
    — Alexandra Kukulka, Chicago Tribune, 10 Mar. 2025
Definition of entities
Noun
  • As a business owner, higher profit margins, all other things being equal, are more valuable.
    — Bill Stone, Forbes, 28 Dec. 2024
  • Expected to take a backseat to Detroit and Green Bay in a transition year, Minnesota is in the thick of things with a 13-2 record.
    — Theo Gremminger, The Athletic, 28 Dec. 2024
Definition of things
Noun
  • Of course, many companies will stay the course and continue DEI, ESG, HR and CSR efforts that represent decades-long commitments, but others will find new approaches and new language to deal with different political realities and government leaders.
    — Timothy J. McClimon, Forbes, 4 Jan. 2025
  • Effective leaders combine current realities with future trends and opportunities, using curiosity and experimentation to drive discovery and innovation.
    — William Arruda, Forbes, 3 Jan. 2025
Definition of realities

Browse Nearby Words

substance
substances
substandard
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Substances.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/substances. Accessed 26 Apr. 2025.

Copy Citation

Share

More from Merriam-Webster on substances

Nglish: Translation of substances for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

Words in Disguise: Do these seem familiar?

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?

Every Letter Is Silent, Sometimes: A-Z List of Examples
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Flower Etymologies For Your Spring Garden

8 Words for Lesser-Known Musical Instruments

10 Words from Taylor Swift Songs (Merriam's Version)

'Blue Moon,' 'Wolf Moon,' and Other Moons to Look for Throughout the Year

10 Scrabble Words Without Any Vowels
See More

Popular

See More

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

Flower Etymologies For Your Spring Garden

8 Words for Lesser-Known Musical Instruments
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Word Game Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
artwork of illustrated limes with the text limes and smile with an arrow connecting the two words
Quiz: Spot the Anagram! Scramble these words to find new words with the e...
See All