1
as in potential
the basic elements from which something can be developed many thought that the mayor's speech lacked substance because specific proposals for solving the city's problems were few

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2
3
4
as in object
one that has a real and independent existence the question of whether the soul is a substance entirely independent of the body

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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 substance The unit will support people experiencing mental and behavioral health crises, substance use issues, and homelessness. Zachery Eanes, Axios, 31 Jan. 2025 Signs are posted throughout the area cautioning residents of the potential toxic substances. Dan Perry, Newsweek, 31 Jan. 2025 Philadelphia plays Kansas City in the Super Bowl on February 9, but there is another event of substance for film fans taking place that day now as well right down the coast in Santa Barbara. Pete Hammond, Deadline, 30 Jan. 2025 Her lasting legacy is one of style, yes, but also substance—something that demands thoughtful, measured tribute, not mimicry. Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 22 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for substance 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for substance
Noun
  • The new price target indicates just around 5% upside potential from where shares closed Friday.
    Hakyung Kim, CNBC, 27 Jan. 2025
  • There’s still concern about the potential for mudslides and rockslides in L.A. County areas recently burned by wildfire.
    Rong-Gong Lin II, Los Angeles Times, 27 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Speed is of the essence in digital publishing, where breaking news is only relevant for a few hours at a time.
    Benjamin Mullin, New York Times, 23 Jan. 2025
  • Knowing time was of the essence, Drew and Joyce got in touch with local media outlets and handed out missing person fliers.
    Alex Gurley, People.com, 23 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Still here for him Roki Sasaki seemingly has an endless wealth of resources at his disposal with the Dodgers.
    Jeff Sanders, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 Feb. 2025
  • His main legislative achievement came in his first year with the passage of an enormous tax cut that was popular among Republicans generally but that greatly benefited high-income earners and holders of wealth.
    Ron Elving, NPR, 1 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • The idea was to challenge conventions and create an artistic interpretation of a horological object.
    Sophie Furley, Robb Report, 31 Jan. 2025
  • Abraham, as his recorded voice speaks, adds to this sense of attention by embracing the tape machine itself, a big object on his desk which is the size of a suitcase.
    Helen Shaw, The New Yorker, 31 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Associated Press text, photo, graphic, audio and/or video material shall not be published, broadcast, rewritten for broadcast or publication or redistributed directly or indirectly in any medium.
    Lucas Dufalla, arkansasonline.com, 28 Jan. 2025
  • But the state of the city in the wake of the pandemic has raised the question of whether a different kind of disinvestment—in people and their mental and material well-being—will cause the system to collapse before the next big rainfall would.
    Keith Gessen, The New Yorker, 28 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • This story was updated to clarify Howard Chan’s salary and the source of that information, the information regarding the names of the 32 small business who received COVID funds and the nature of the email to Shoun Thao related to the CBCC event.
    Joe Rubin, Sacramento Bee, 29 Jan. 2025
  • Kensington Palace said its recent $25 million investment will enhance the company’s nature data platform, expand its international reach and scale its solution to meet the increasing data requirements of its corporate and conservation customers.
    Rachel Burchfield, People.com, 29 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Such efforts can help strengthen the protection of digital assets and customer data while addressing the evolving demands of API security.
    Michael Nicosia, Forbes, 26 Dec. 2024
  • Data protection of organizations’ digital assets and consumer information is one of the critical areas where such collaboration is essential, especially as consumers place more emphasis on their personal data security.
    Michael Nicosia, Forbes, 26 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • The government alleges that the related entities were shell companies or companies that were previously operational but no longer active.
    Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes, 25 Jan. 2025
  • At issue between the two politicians is far more than personal feelings: California will require billions in federal aid to rebuild, and local and state entities are banking on large-scale reimbursements for their spending.
    Julia Wick, Los Angeles Times, 25 Jan. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Substance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/substance. Accessed 6 Feb. 2025.

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