substantive 1 of 2

adjective

ˈsəb-stən-tiv How to pronounce substantive (audio)
Definition of substantivenext
as in substantial
sufficiently large in size, amount, or number to merit attention they've made substantive changes in the nightly newscast

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

substantive

2 of 2

noun

as in nominal

Related Words

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 substantive
Adjective
Sadly, a substantive and enduring friendship between Kate and Vaughn may now be off the table. — Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 17 Oct. 2026 And yet, the space would go on to make a substantive mark on 1980s New York. — Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 13 Oct. 2026
Noun
With his substantive, agreeably granular bass, David Grogan gave prophetic warnings real authority. — Dallas News, 23 Dec. 2022 California’s climate agenda mixes the symbolic with the substantive. — Los Angeles Times, 17 Nov. 2022 See All Example Sentences for substantive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for substantive
  1. substantial
  2. significant
  3. considerable
  4. sizable
Adjective
  • Conventional early-warning aircraft have space for substantial radar arrays and powerful onboard systems, but their size and cost can limit how many can be deployed.
    — Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2026
  • With builds ranging up to $6,000, the new ROG Strix Scar 18 will make a substantial dent in your bank account.
    — Marshall Honorof, PC Magazine, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of substantial
Adjective
  • Summed up, this all provides the ship with significant firepower potential.
    — Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2026
  • In July, the west-to-east ride across the state passed through a significant stretch of the northeastern Iowa district Mitchell hopes to represent.
    — Washington Post, Washington Post, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of significant
Adjective
  • Despite the protests, Vucic retained considerable support among many of Serbia's voters.
    — JOVANA GEC, Arkansas Online, 26 Oct. 2026
  • The spectre of Midwest emo looms large; American Football in particular casts a considerable shadow.
    — Nick Laskin, Pitchfork, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of considerable
Adjective
  • Zygielbaum was surprised however that the DOJ reached out only to him, and not the Republican clerk in neighboring Weld County, which also houses a sizable portion of that same congressional district.
    — Miles Parks, NPR, 22 Oct. 2026
  • But current attempts to drive home that message are being rejected by a sizable and growing part of the population.
    — Nicholas Florko, STAT, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of sizable

Browse Nearby Words

substantiations
substantive
substantiveness
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Cite this Entry

“Substantive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/substantive. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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