substance

noun

sub·​stance ˈsəb-stən(t)s How to pronounce substance (audio)
1
a
: essential nature : essence
b
: a fundamental or characteristic part or quality
c
Christian Science : god sense 1b
2
a
: ultimate reality that underlies all outward manifestations and change
b
: practical importance : meaning, usefulness
the … bill—which will be without substance in the sense that it will authorize nothing more than a set of ideasRichard Reeves
3
a
: physical material from which something is made or which has discrete existence
b
: matter of particular or definite chemical constitution
c
: something (such as drugs or alcoholic beverages) deemed harmful and usually subject to legal restriction
possession of a controlled substance
substance abuse
4
: material possessions : property
a family of substance
substanceless adjective
Phrases
in substance
: in respect to essentials : fundamentally

Examples of substance in a Sentence

The pancreas secretes a substance called insulin. The floor was covered with a white, powdery substance that turned out to be flour. heroin and other illegal substances He had a history of substance abuse. When has he ever said anything of substance? The results of the study give substance to their theory. the substance of my argument
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
And if there are any more problems because of her substance abuse, all bets will be off. Jeanne Phillips, The Mercury News, 10 Nov. 2024 In the book, Vance recounted a turbulent childhood, his mother's struggle with substance use disorder and the life-changing influence of his grandmother, known to him as Mamaw. Haley Bemiller, The Enquirer, 5 Nov. 2024 Breslin ran on a platform focused on reducing violent crime and reducing incarceration for nonviolent offenders with substance abuse and mental health issues. Sam Tabachnik, The Denver Post, 5 Nov. 2024 Williams' Time as Mayor of Huntingdon Williams, 60, has served as Huntington's mayor since 2012, implementing strategies to address substance abuse, including establishing the state's first citywide Office of Drug Control Policy (ODCP). Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for substance 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin substantia, from substant-, substans, present participle of substare to stand under, from sub- + stare to stand — more at stand

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of substance was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near substance

Cite this Entry

“Substance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/substance. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

substance

noun
sub·​stance ˈsəb-stən(t)s How to pronounce substance (audio)
1
a
: essential nature : essence
divine substance
b
: the fundamental or essential part, quality, or meaning
the substance of the speech
2
a
: physical material from which something is made
b
: material of particular or definite chemical constitution
an oily substance
c
: something (as drugs or alcoholic beverages) considered harmful and usually subject to legal restriction
substance abuse
3
: material possessions : property
a person of substance

Medical Definition

substance

noun
sub·​stance ˈsəb-stən(t)s How to pronounce substance (audio)
1
: physical material from which something is made or which has discrete existence
the substance of nerve tissue
2
: matter of particular or definite chemical constitution
3
: something (as alcohol, methamphetamine, or marijuana) deemed harmful and usually subject to legal restriction
heroin is a controlled substance
substance abuse

Legal Definition

substance

noun
sub·​stance
1
: substantive law
was a question of substance and not process
compare procedure
2
: something (as language) essential especially to establishing a valid right, claim, or charge
a title defective in form, not substance

More from Merriam-Webster on substance

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