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Definitions

substance

[suhb-stuhns] / ˈsʌb stəns /
NOUN
entity, element
Synonyms
STRONGEST
item material object stuff texture
STRONG
actuality animal being body bulk concreteness core corpus fabric force hunk individual mass matter person phenomenon reality staple thing
WEAK
something
Antonyms
STRONG
abstract fantasy inanimate nothing nothingness plant
WEAK
poverty
NOUN
essence, meaning
Synonyms
STRONGEST
amount effect meat significance strength stuff subject
STRONG
ABCs basis body bottom burden center core corpus crux drift essentiality focus gist guts heart import innards kernel marrow mass matter nitty-gritty nub pith point purport quintessence sense soul staple tenor theme thrust upshot
WEAK
bottom line brass tacks general meaning gravamen name of the game nuts and bolts sum total virtuality way of it
Antonyms
STRONG
cowardice exterior exteriority fear insignificance nothing nothingness outside periphery surface
WEAK
poverty
NOUN
wealth
Synonyms
STRONG
affluence assets estate fortune means property resources riches worth
Antonyms
STRONG
debt
WEAK
poverty

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The problem is not the substance of Warsh’s AI view.

From MarketWatch • May 8, 2026

This method evaluates how effectively a substance can neutralize viral particles.

From Science Daily • May 7, 2026

Tonight’s mayoral debate may add more substance to Pratt’s campaign, or grist for his opponents.

From Los Angeles Times • May 6, 2026

However, Sir Philip denied that this affected the substance of the vetting case.

From BBC • Apr. 28, 2026

But apparently it is a rubbery substance that has licorice or other flavoring.

From "The (Mostly) True Story of Cleopatra's Needle" by Dan Gutman

Vocabulary lists containing substance

"Black Panther" Lingo

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

Word Generation Science - Scientific Thinking

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

"The Declaration of Independence," Vocabulary from the historical document

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!