SUBSTANCES Synonyms: 44 Similar and Opposite Words

substances

noun

plural of substance

as in essences

the quality or qualities that make a thing what it is tireless caring and nurturing that was the very substance of maternal love

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in entities

one that has a real and independent existence the question of whether the soul is a substance entirely independent of the body

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

nonentities

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 substances Materials engineered to respond predictably to light could potentially form part of highly sensitive sensing technologies designed to provide earlier warning of hazardous substances. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 22 Aug. 2026 Though synthetic 7-OH is far more potent and addictive than natural leaf kratom, experts say both substances pose risk for addiction. — Charles Trepany, USA Today, 21 Aug. 2026 According to the sheriff’s office, those substances tested positive for methamphetamine and fentanyl. — Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 21 Aug. 2026 Such attention to detail is normalized in a scientific setting - using extreme caution when transferring substances from surface to surface is standard practice. — Elizabeth MacBride, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026 Many had spent years compensating for symptoms through work, achievement, perfectionism, substances, or sheer force of will. — Rachel Docekal, STAT, 21 Aug. 2026 That can become more complicated when multiple substances are involved or another medical condition may have contributed. — Elizabeth Rosner, PEOPLE, 21 Aug. 2026 Its portfolio includes Standard 100, which tests finished products and their components for harmful substances, as well as labels and certifications covering chemical inputs, organic cotton, production facilities and supply-chain due diligence. — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 20 Aug. 2026 In January, Watts was a guest on actor Rainn Wilson’s podcast, where Watts played devil’s advocate to Wilson’s skeptic about casual use of mind-altering substances. — Cheyenne Roundtree, Rolling Stone, 20 Aug. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for substances

Noun

Common formats include serums, moisturizers and creams, cleansers, essences and toners, and masks.

— Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Charlotte Observer, 11 Aug. 2026
Common forms include serums, moisturizers and creams, cleansers, essences and toners, and masks.

— Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Kansas City Star, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of essences

Noun

Firms in the Program may receive threat information from other private entities and from federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial agencies, and may propose operations to the NCC.

— Jill Goldenziel, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2026
Demon Hunter, a band that formed in 2000, has filed a lawsuit against Netflix and other entities associated with the production of KPop Demon Hunters.

— Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of entities

Noun

Unitree's product lineup spans bipedal humanoid robots that can walk and manipulate objects with dexterous hands, as well as four-legged robots used for tasks such as hazard detection.

— Jenny Lee, CNBC, 19 Aug. 2026
Individuals may soon be able to create personalized collectibles, custom accessories, functional objects, and limited-edition products without years of professional modeling experience.

— Nia Bowers, USA Today, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of objects

Noun

Manchester City’s defence was wide open in Sunday’s Community Shield defeat to Arsenal and that could be a sign of things to come now that Rodri is playing for Barcelona in La Liga.

— Graham Ruthven, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2026
And if history is any indication, expect safety Tre’von Moehrig to be in the middle of things when the pads start poppin’ at the Panthers’ joint practice with the Jacksonville Jaguars at the Jags’ practice facility.

— Joseph Person, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of things

Noun

This reflects Paris’ difficulty adapting to the region’s new strategic realities, particularly Azerbaijan’s emergence as the preeminent regional actor and Turkey’s expanding role.

— Kamran Bokhari, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026
Player over/underperformance and injuries are realities in fantasy.

— Sports Betting, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of realities

Browse Nearby Words

substance

substances

substandard

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“Substances.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/substances. Accessed 24 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of substances

noun

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