substance

noun

sub·​stance ˈsəb-stən(t)s 

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 ideas

—Richard 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

ˈsəb-stən(t)s-ləs 

adjective

Phrases

in substance

: in respect to essentials : fundamentally

Synonyms

• making
• material
• raw material
• stuff
• timber

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

In a competitive market, businesses that lean into this movement by offering products that speak to both style and substance are poised for success. —Kate Hardcastle, Forbes, 29 Nov. 2024

This is the iPhone of herbal vaporizers and is better for your lungs and anyone who would object to the odor of certain substances. —WIRED, 29 Nov. 2024

Many recreational and prescription drugs contain stimulants (drugs that increase activity in your central nervous system) and other substances that can trigger symptoms of tachycardia. —Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 29 Nov. 2024

There officers found a baggie of an off-white substance and a baggie of a green leafy substance — which later tested positively as cocaine and fentanyl and marijuana, respectively. —Adrienne Davis, Journal Sentinel, 28 Nov. 2024

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

Phrases Containing substance

• a man/woman/person of substance
• be without substance
• controlled substance
• ground substance
• queen substance
• substance P
• sum and substance
• working substance

Kids Definition

substance

noun

sub·​stance ˈsəb-stən(t)s 

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 

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