substantial

adjective

səb-ˈstan(t)-shəl How to pronounce substantial (audio)
Definition of substantialnext
1
as in significant
having great meaning or lasting effect substantial changes to the school dress code that made a lot of people unhappy

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in large
of a size greater than average of its kind the amount he inherited was quite substantial, so he quit his job and set out to see the world

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3
as in physical
relating to or composed of matter the Land of Oz turned out to be a world of dreams, even less substantial than a rainbow

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4
as in considerable
sufficiently large in size, amount, or number to merit attention there's been a substantial increase in attendance at girls' volleyball games ever since the start of their winning streak

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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 substantial The consumer-products giant plans a substantial campaign for its Always Discreet incontinence pads for women that will air largely during NFL games this season. — Brian Steinberg, Variety, 10 Aug. 2026 Andrii Yalanskyi/Getty Images Americans are carrying a substantial amount of debt right now, with household debt sitting at a record high and high-rate credit card debt accounting for a substantial portion of it. — Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 10 Aug. 2026 The decision drew substantial criticism from both sides of the aisle, which Hunter Biden acknowledged to O’Connell. — T. Michelle Murphy, Time, 9 Aug. 2026 Reports are Cristobal will make a substantial donation back to UM earmarked for athletic facilities improvement and the NIL (name, image, likeness) fund. — Greg Cote august 9, Miami Herald, 9 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for substantial
Recent Examples of Synonyms for substantial
  1. significant
  2. large
  3. physical
  4. considerable
  5. major
  6. sizable
  7. concrete
  8. important
Adjective
  • Low-income Americans who can’t afford to buy into the housing market and who lack a significant presence in the stock market are starting on their back foot.
    — David Goldman, CNN Money, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Apple needs significant upload capacty include the volume of shipping required to bring the iPhones to market.
    — Ewan Spence, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of significant
Adjective
  • Aerial footage showed a large law enforcement presence on Sunset Boulevard, which appeared to be closed off to traffic.
    — Dean Fioresi, CBS News, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Only about 6% of the region’s deposits are controlled by the combined bank, ranking fourth behind larger national competition such as Truist, Bank of America and Wells Fargo.
    — Zachary Hansen, AJC.com, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of large
Adjective
  • But the curve seems to settle at around 33, where even the most experienced of centre-backs lose appeal due to a drop-off in their physical capabilities and pace.
    — Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Businesses and nonprofits may borrow up to $2 million to cover physical damages and may also qualify for loans to help cover financial losses resulting from the bad weather.
    — Mike Danahey, Chicago Tribune, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of physical
Adjective
  • The proposal has drawn considerable concern from residents, especially regarding traffic.
    — Amelia Mugavero, CBS News, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Villa go in as considerable underdogs — 7/2 to win in normal time and 2/1 to lift the trophy — and pulling it off would represent another big result in what has already been a landmark year for the club.
    — Dean Jones, New York Times, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of considerable
Adjective
  • The cushion cut cocktail rings give major Taylor energy, which is why they're beloved by Swifties and beyond.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 8 Aug. 2026
  • Speraw highlights women's volleyball as America's largest girls' team sport, yet commercially underdeveloped, presenting a huge opportunity for growth and major sponsorship.
    — Tim Genske, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of major
Adjective
  • Pakistan must manage its sizeable Shiite population and its sensitive relationship with Tehran, while Turkey and Iran share concerns over Kurdish separatism despite competing elsewhere in the region.
    — Abbas Al Lawati, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2026
  • The timing shook out nicely, considering Berg would go on to be tapped to succeed Don Garber as MLS’ next commissioner and has subsequently been tasked with unloading his sizable ownership stake in LAFC.
    — Justin Birnbaum, Sportico.com, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of sizable
Adjective
  • There’s a symmetry despite all four stands having a different design, ranging from the concrete pillars of the Bramall Lane end to the much smoother lines seen along the John Street Stand.
    — Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Pakistan has expressed optimism that Washington and Tehran could reach an accord, but Torres said markets were still waiting for concrete progress.
    — Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of concrete
Adjective
  • That’s important for Cyprus because under an existing agreement, Cypriot energy consumers would have to put up as much as 63% of the cable’s construction cost, meaning a significant jump in electricity prices.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 9 Aug. 2026
  • As artificial intelligence revolutionizes how tasks are completed, many people are pleading their cases for why their jobs are important.
    — Doug Turnbull, AJC.com, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of important

Browse Nearby Words

substandard
substantial
substantiality
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Cite this Entry

“Substantial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/substantial. Accessed 13 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of substantial for Spanish Speakers

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