1
as in significant
having great meaning or lasting effect
substantial changes to the school dress code that made a lot of people unhappy
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in large
of a size greater than average of its kind
the amount he inherited was quite substantial, so he quit his job and set out to see the world
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in physical
relating to or composed of matter
the Land of Oz turned out to be a world of dreams, even less substantial than a rainbow
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in considerable
sufficiently large in size, amount, or number to merit attention
there's been a substantial increase in attendance at girls' volleyball games ever since the start of their winning streak
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 substantial
Taxpayers pay the capital costs of keeping the heliports operational, a substantial expense due to the heliports sitting on pier structures degraded by the harsh marine environment.
—
Eric Katzman, New York Daily News, 25 May 2025
That substantial drop is unusual, according to Jeremy Bowen, CEO of Cirium.
—Natasha Chen, CNN Money, 25 May 2025
Each is anticipated to take on substantial responsibilities this season.
—Matt Murschel, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 May 2025
However, Sanborn fears there will be little time or appetite from the agency or the governor’s office to make substantial changes to the new regulations.
—Susanne Rust, Los Angeles Times, 22 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for substantial
Eric Katzman, New York Daily News, 25 May 2025
That substantial drop is unusual, according to Jeremy Bowen, CEO of Cirium.
—Natasha Chen, CNN Money, 25 May 2025
Each is anticipated to take on substantial responsibilities this season.
—Matt Murschel, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 May 2025
However, Sanborn fears there will be little time or appetite from the agency or the governor’s office to make substantial changes to the new regulations.
—Susanne Rust, Los Angeles Times, 22 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for substantial
Recent Examples of Synonyms for substantial
Adjective
-
The bill would also impose significant caps on loans for parents and undergraduate students, while eliminating a lending program for future graduate students.—
Riley Beggin,
USA Today,
23 May 2025
-
Almost every automaker has capitalized on this growth, with a few exceptions—Tesla being the most significant.—
Jonathan M. Gitlin,
ArsTechnica,
22 May 2025
Adjective
-
Over 1,000 cattle or calf pairs also qualify as a large CAFO.—
Mandy Taheri,
MSNBC Newsweek,
29 May 2025
-
Their 11-point lead (73-62) was their largest of the night until garbage time free throws with under a minute left.—
Ryan Morik,
FOXNews.com,
29 May 2025
Adjective
-
Thanks to therapy and physical rehab, Foxx has come a long way since then.—
Staff Author,
EW.com,
23 May 2025
-
It's been a season where physical strength and unwavering loyalty have held more weight than the deception and betrayal commonly found in previous seasons of the long-running reality competition show.—
Emily DeLetter,
USA Today,
23 May 2025
Adjective
-
The legislation, despite its exceptions, still provoked considerable resistance in the House of Representatives.—
Jaime Moore-Carrillo,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
2 June 2025
-
According to data presented by Soltero, both Oak Terrace and Red Oak have seen a considerable decline in enrollment in a five-year period, although Oak Terrace has seen more than double that of Red Oak; about 31% compared to Red Oak’s 13%.—
Joseph States,
Chicago Tribune,
2 June 2025
Adjective
-
Catch Up On The Story Chelsea can become the first club to win all four major UEFA trophies – but who else could complete the set?—
Simon Johnson,
New York Times,
28 May 2025
-
In 2023, her daughter, McKenna Kelley, revealed Retton was struggling with some major health issues that ultimately landed her in the hospital for more than a month..—
Jessica Schladebeck,
New York Daily News,
27 May 2025
Adjective
-
That enthusiasm has pushed one of his most popular collections back to the summit on one major list, while another brand new title earns the rock legend another top 10 bestseller — just ahead of what’s sure to be another sizable debut.—
Hugh McIntyre,
Forbes.com,
30 May 2025
-
No one has been detained in Miami-Dade or Duval counties, according to county clerk and state court data, despite the areas boasting sizable immigrant populations.—
Hannah Critchfield,
Sun Sentinel,
29 May 2025
Adjective
-
Did former students get sick? Several people — from health and school officials to parents and teachers — have heard anecdotes about former students getting cancer after leaving Warren Hills, but say there’s nothing concrete at this point.—
Laura Bauer,
Kansas City Star,
26 May 2025
-
Investors should monitor closely for concrete improvements in revenue patterns and updates on Moderna’s pipeline development before considering this rebound as anything more than a short-term occurrence.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
26 May 2025
Adjective
-
Trump stressed the deal would maintain American control of the storied company, which is seen as both a political symbol and an important matter for the country’s supply chain, industries like auto manufacturing and national security.—
Michelle L. Price,
Los Angeles Times,
31 May 2025
-
The intelligence teams gather during interviews preceding testing is just as important, if not more so.—
Fluto Shinzawa,
New York Times,
31 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Substantial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/substantial. Accessed 5 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share