Synonyms for

Substance

Verb / ˈsʌbstʌns / Another word for substance — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

Substance means a particular type of matter with uniform properties. It can also refer to the real or essential meaning of something.

Synonyms & similar words

means content nittygritty center marrow gist heartandsoul subjectmatter meat nub centre kernel essence meaning pith inwardness message heart core sum matter material stuff entity essence core kernel gist meaning significance importance relevance value truth fact reality substantiality solidity

Synonyms by register

Formal

matter essence content material

Informal

stuff thing guts

Literary

quiddity kernel marrow

Antonyms

emptiness void insignificance triviality superficiality nothingness

Common collocations

  • solid substance
  • foreign substance
  • chemical substance
  • under the influence of a substance
  • substance abuse
  • basic substance
  • substance of the matter
  • a substance of great importance

Word family

noun substance
adjective substantial
adverb substantially

Usage note

Can refer to physical matter, the essential part of something, or significance. Be mindful of context to avoid ambiguity, especially when referring to drugs or alcohol.

Example sentences

  1. The teacher is testing the substance of our knowledge.
  2. The substance of the argument was lost in the shouting.
  3. The soup lacked substance and was watery.
  4. He was addicted to a harmful substance.
  5. The substance of the document needs to be analyzed.

Quotes

  • Substance is enduring, form is ephemeral.
  • Substance is not enough, accident is also required.
  • Substance is the shadow of accident.

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