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
Departing lawyers take their bar number, client relationships and substantive knowledge with them. — Hamid Kohan, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026 In May 2024, after the government pledged to consider its demands but delayed making any substantive concessions, the JAAC called a long march and a shutdown strike. — Aqil Shah, Time, 17 Aug. 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
  • The Potential Downsides Not everyone can slot a substantial breakfast and half an hour of cardio into a hectic morning.
    — Samantha Agate, Sacbee.com, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Dred Scott, decided in 1857, was the Court’s first use of horizontal review since Marbury and its first substantial use of the power ever.
    — Daniel Immerwahr, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of substantial
Adjective
  • Claiming the 29-year-old Robert would require a more significant financial commitment than Sewald.
    — Mitch Bannon, New York Times, 31 Aug. 2026
  • The advanced weapon features AV’s 20kW-class LOCUST LWS integrated on the General Motors Defense Infantry Squad Vehicle (ISV) platform–a significant advancement in mobile, frontline C-UAS capabilities.
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of significant
Adjective
  • Long-term concessions give foreign companies considerable influence over critical infrastructure.
    — Jesse Marks, Foreign Affairs, 31 Aug. 2026
  • With the excitement will come considerable outside expectations he’s never experienced — some of Sumrall’s own making.
    — Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of considerable
Adjective
  • Eleven million sales in America, countless radio spins and nearly a billion Spotify streams, and the copyright is Parton’s alone, bringing in millions of dollars on its own as a sizable piece of the icon’s expansive business empire.
    — Ethan Millman, HollywoodReporter, 27 Aug. 2026
  • The interest charges alone can consume a sizable share of the monthly credit card payments, especially now that card rates are averaging over 22%.
    — Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 27 Aug. 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 1 Sep. 2026.

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