SUBSTANCES Synonyms: 44 Similar and Opposite Words

substances

noun

plural of substance

as in essences

the quality or qualities that make a thing what it is tireless caring and nurturing that was the very substance of maternal love

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in entities

one that has a real and independent existence the question of whether the soul is a substance entirely independent of the body

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

nonentities

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 substances Pappas has also supported strict limits on perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, which are synthetic chemicals that can be found in an array of consumer products, including clothing, shampoo, electronics, and cleaning products. — Maydeen Merino, The Washington Examiner, 15 Oct. 2026 In April 2026, the FDA proposed excluding semaglutide, tirzepatide, and liraglutide from the list of bulk drug substances that outsourcing facilities may use for compounding under Section 503B based on clinical need. — Emma Clapp, Sacbee.com, 15 Oct. 2026 Chinese authorities also said no toxic substances were found in its products, disproving social-media claims that previously hurt sales. — Alexa Lomonaco,kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 15 Oct. 2026 When microplastics come into contact with water, the water near their surface can become chemically active, generating highly reactive species that can modify nearby substances, including biologically important molecules. — Payal Dhar, Scientific American, 14 Oct. 2026 Claims of medicinal benefit of the harmful substances continue to collapse under further scrutiny. — Charlotte Observer, 14 Oct. 2026 Water flows in the Mississippi River in Hastings, Minnesota, down river from 3M's Cottage Grove factory, which had churned out varieties of Per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances, of PFAS, for decades. — Wcco Staff, CBS News, 14 Oct. 2026 On average, however, fewer than 10% of substances that show promise in animal studies prove effective in clinical trials. — CNN Money, 13 Oct. 2026 Bluesign said potential sources include production chemicals that survive treatment, substances formed during production or treatment and problems with the treatment system itself. — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 7 Oct. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for substances

Noun

For the skincare enthusiast who knows her serums from her essences, an exfoliating cleanser from DIME Beauty can be a thoughtful addition to her routine.

— Ethan Stone October 9, Idaho Statesman, 9 Oct. 2026
Following the Korean beauty trend, Costioli would layer on product after product — toners, serums, essences and moisturizers — in pursuit of an ultra-dewy complexion.

— Taylor Nicioli, CNN Money, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of essences

Noun

The entities operating the Guowang and Qianfan satellite constellations, which intend to compete with Starlink, plan to launch nearly 30,000 communications satellites over the next decade or so.

— Kathleen Curlee, Foreign Affairs, 14 Oct. 2026
Then, entities like White Circle could possibly form a coalition to help detect AI threats in real time, without suffering from biases.

— Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of entities

Noun

Dark matter and dark energy, also not yet directly observed, together are the source of the vast majority of energy in the universe, but their physical natures are unknown.

— Don Figer, The Conversation, 27 Aug. 2026
Create characters built around lifepaths, natures, clan traits, and merits.

— Jennifer Maas, Variety, 30 July 2026

Definition of natures

Noun

In humanoid robotics, this approach can help develop coordinated movements that account for the robot’s body dynamics and interactions with external objects.

— Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 20 Oct. 2026
By the 2000s scientists had detected thousands of GRBs, and researchers suspected they were being created by two classes of objects.

— Robin George Andrews, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of objects

Noun

Which brings us back to the list of things that lasted longer than Zacharia’s term as White House Press Secretary.

— Leonard Greene, New York Daily News, 18 Oct. 2026
The wide-leg pants keep things relaxed, and the ruched waist on the knit top adds shape and makes the whole look feel more polished than a standard sweatshirt set.

— Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of things

Noun

Although driver engagement has long been central to the 911 experience, the realities of modern automotive development are making manual transmissions a rare commodity.

— Bradley Iger, Robb Report, 16 Oct. 2026
What begins as a straightforward trip to rehab quickly spirals into a journey packed with mishaps, revelations and unexpected connections, forcing both Lucy and Tim to confront the messy realities of fame, family and recovery.

— Max Goldbart, Deadline, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of realities

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substance

substances

substandard

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“Substances.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/substances. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of substances

noun

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