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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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 Consequently, Trump’s seemingly left-field involvement in the management of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts should not be regarded as a random act of agitation but a substantial addition to his core agenda. — Peter Tonguette, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 14 Mar. 2025 Weighing in at a pound and a half, the stainless-steel wand offers strong, substantial pleasure for G-spots and P-spots alike. — Gabrielle Kassel, Glamour, 14 Mar. 2025 This is a substantial,strong metal stand, again featuring UAG’s jerry can signature pattern. — Jan Wagner, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Mar. 2025 Those who did receive their spoons often comment on the substantial delays, but reviews are largely positive. — Ars Technica, 14 Mar. 2025 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
  • But a significant drop in traffic volumes measured during the trial changed that.
    — Laurie Winkless, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025
  • If left untreated, these can cause significant problems by leaving behind mineral and scale deposits that gradually build up inside pipes and plumbing fixtures throughout the home.
    — Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Mar. 2025
Definition of significant
Adjective
  • Green Bay speedster Christian Watson suffered a torn right ACL in Week 18 last year and is expected to miss a large portion of the 2025 campaign.
    — Rob Reischel, Forbes, 19 Mar. 2025
  • Wind gusts of up to 60 mph are also possible and could reduce visibility to a quarter mile or less for large parts of the day making travel difficult or even impossible in some areas.
    — Kenton Gewecke, ABC News, 18 Mar. 2025
Definition of large
Adjective
  • His putative allies are, after all, terrified of harassment and physical violence from the army of released insurrectionists that Trump all but commands himself.
    — Faisal Kutty, Newsweek, 11 Mar. 2025
  • Higher usage also comes with some physical challenges, as Herro is relied on to handle more of the offensive load game after game.
    — Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 11 Mar. 2025
Definition of physical
Adjective
  • If the past is prologue, the future will feature considerable instability.
    — Hersh Shefrin, Forbes, 22 Mar. 2025
  • Doing so will save you considerable cash in the long run, add to your momentum and boost your motivation.
    — Kevin Harper, Sacramento Bee, 21 Mar. 2025
Definition of considerable
Adjective
  • President has failed to score points with voters on several major topics, according to a new poll published by News on Sunday.
    — Peter Aitken, Newsweek, 17 Mar. 2025
  • Here’s your daily look at traffic on major highways in the Kansas City area.
    — Kansas City Star Bot, Kansas City Star, 16 Mar. 2025
Definition of major
Adjective
  • Endeavor has been steadily unloading assets in the wake of an April 2024 announcement that private equity giant Silver Lake—already a sizable Endeavor investor—would be taking the company private at $27.5 per share.
    — Eben Novy-Williams, Sportico.com, 19 Mar. 2025
  • By the numbers: In San Antonio-area congressional districts, veterans make up a sizable share of civilian federal employment, per new data from the Economic Policy Institute.
    — Emily Peck, Axios, 18 Mar. 2025
Definition of sizable
Adjective
  • The top courses of the concrete block had disintegrated, and were nothing more than sand and small stones.
    — Tim Carter, Hartford Courant, 15 Mar. 2025
  • On death row, Mahdi stabbed a guard and struck another worker with a concrete block.
    — Landon Mion, Fox News, 15 Mar. 2025
Definition of concrete
Adjective
  • Ensuring Resonance: Connecting Emotionally for Commitment While data and logic are important, influence ultimately hinges on emotional connection.
    — Heather V. MacArthur, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
  • Stretchy synthetic material wicks sweat away from your body to keep you dry and cool, and the seams and fabric are designed to prevent uncomfortable chafing, an important factor for all-day wear.
    — Alice Bennett, Travel + Leisure, 20 Mar. 2025
Definition of important

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Cite this Entry

“Substantial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/substantial. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.

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