substantial

adjective

sub·​stan·​tial səb-ˈstan(t)-shəl How to pronounce substantial (audio)
1
a
: consisting of or relating to substance
b
: not imaginary or illusory : real, true
2
: ample to satisfy and nourish : full
a substantial meal
3
a
: possessed of means : well-to-do
b
: considerable in quantity : significantly great
earned a substantial wage
4
: firmly constructed : sturdy
a substantial house
5
: being largely but not wholly that which is specified
a substantial lie
substantial noun
substantiality noun
substantially adverb
substantialness noun

Examples of substantial in a Sentence

A substantial number of people commute to work each day. Activities like that pose a substantial risk of injury. She purchased her tickets at a substantial discount. Only the buildings that were constructed of more substantial materials survived the earthquake. I was hoping that they would serve us something more substantial than wine and cheese.
Recent Examples on the Web For instance, various token projects have raised substantial capital, with some reaching valuations in the multi-billion-dollar range. Tomer Niv, Forbes, 28 Oct. 2024 Additionally, states with substantial voucher programs spent $2,800 less per-pupil on public education than states without vouchers in 2021, according to the article. Krista Johnson, The Courier-Journal, 28 Oct. 2024 The ranch property’s elevation rises to more than 9,000 feet with open meadows for cattle grazing, seven ponds, substantial water rights, and an extensive network of roads and trails. Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 28 Oct. 2024 Although the funding boost is substantial, certain restrictions in the state’s program would remain. Ryan Fonseca, Los Angeles Times, 28 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for substantial 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'substantial.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

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

Dictionary Entries Near substantial

Cite this Entry

“Substantial.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/substantial. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

substantial

adjective
sub·​stan·​tial səb-ˈstan-chəl How to pronounce substantial (audio)
1
a
: consisting of or relating to substance : material
b
: not imaginary : real
the substantial world
c
: important sense 1, essential
substantial differences
2
: enough to satisfy and nourish
a substantial meal
3
a
: prosperous sense 1
a substantial farmer
b
: considerable in quantity : significantly large
a substantial increase
4
: firmly constructed
a substantial building
substantiality noun
substantially adverb

Legal Definition

substantial

adjective
sub·​stan·​tial səb-ˈstan-chəl How to pronounce substantial (audio)
1
a
: of or relating to substance
b
: not illusory : having merit
failed to raise a substantial constitutional claim
c
: having importance or significance : material
a substantial step had not been taken toward commission of the crimeW. R. LaFave and A. W. Scott, Jr.
2
: considerable in quantity : significantly great
identification of serious and substantial failure to performU.S. Code
compare de minimis
substantiality noun
substantially adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on substantial

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