as in substantial
sufficiently large in size, amount, or number to merit attention
they've made substantive changes in the nightly newscast
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in nominal
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 substantive
Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 23 May 2025
This is a substantive change from the $10,000 cap that was implemented by Republicans in the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.
—John Parkinson, ABC News, 22 May 2025
Los Angeles Times, 17 Nov. 2022
Only seventeen members of Harmony, the party that represents the Russian minority and commands a substantive if declining amount of support, and two nonaffiliated members were opposed.
—Gordon F. Sander, The New York Review of Books, 6 July 2022
See All Example Sentences for substantive
Adjective
There was no substantive response by publication deadline.
—Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 23 May 2025
This is a substantive change from the $10,000 cap that was implemented by Republicans in the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.
—John Parkinson, ABC News, 22 May 2025
Noun
California’s climate agenda mixes the symbolic with the substantive.
—Los Angeles Times, 17 Nov. 2022
Only seventeen members of Harmony, the party that represents the Russian minority and commands a substantive if declining amount of support, and two nonaffiliated members were opposed.
—Gordon F. Sander, The New York Review of Books, 6 July 2022
See All Example Sentences for substantive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for substantive
Adjective
-
While San Francisco hogs headlines on homelessness and crime, its southern neighbor, San Jose, has been quietly making bold moves — and seeing substantial results.—
Barnini Chakraborty,
The Washington Examiner,
26 May 2025
-
The goal is for students to build a device using bubble wrap, straws, or various other materials designed to hold an egg and keep it intact after being dropped from a substantial height—say, ten meters (nearly 33 feet).—
Jennifer Ouellette,
ArsTechnica,
26 May 2025
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
-
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
-
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
-
Just as those anti-Trump, anti-capitalism, down-with-oligarchs and BTW free Luigi rallies draw some sizable crowds.—
Boston Herald editorial staff,
Boston Herald,
29 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Substantive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/substantive. Accessed 5 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share