UNSUBSTANTIAL Synonyms: 162 Similar and Opposite Words

unsubstantial

adjective

ˌən-səb-ˈstan(t)-shəl

Definition of unsubstantial

as in spiritual

not composed of matter as thin and unsubstantial as the wind

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in insubstantial

being of a material lacking in sturdiness or substance unsubstantial wisps of lace

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in weak

lacking bodily strength an unsubstantial child who was unfit to play sports of any kind

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 unsubstantial Then again … This really does sum up Reeves’s unsubstantial performance as Jonathan Harker, whose new client is definitely up to no good. — Tim Grierson, Vulture, 18 Oct. 2025 Yet for all its craft, the film remains airy and unsubstantial, never quite rising to the full potential of its premise. — Leila Latif, IndieWire, 31 Aug. 2025 The algorithm fed the Giants pitcher a savory yet unsubstantial diet of short-form content. — Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 31 Mar. 2025 Still, Republicans plowed ahead with unsubstantial allegations of collusion between government officials and the company’s old regime. — Cat Zakrzewski and Cristiano Lima, Anchorage Daily News, 9 Feb. 2023 See All Example Sentences for unsubstantial

Recent Examples of Synonyms for unsubstantial

Adjective

Each work takes its cues from Vodou spiritual practices in Haiti that are grounded in their African roots.

— Hikmat Mohammed, ARTnews.com, 14 Oct. 2026
Since those moments Birmingham has occupied a central space in the physical and spiritual lineage of America's Civil Rights Movement.

— Leslie Pariseau, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of spiritual

Adjective

Tying all this to a generic RPG progression system full of constant but insubstantial upgrades and resources feels more like busywork than anything else.

— Jordan Minor, PC Magazine, 18 Sep. 2026
But too few of those ideas yield satisfying conclusions, resulting in a drama that becomes treacly and insubstantial, reaching for a profundity that remains elusive.

— David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 16 May 2026

Definition of insubstantial

Adjective

Followers of the Abrahamic religions are supposed to treat God as immaterial and incorporeal, yet these early Yahweh worshippers imagined him as fully embodied.

— Manvir Singh, New Yorker, 9 Mar. 2026
Positioned as a large-scale genre event, the series updates the legendary SFX property with a contemporary political and social edge, with Shun Oguri leading the cast as a detective hunting a seemingly incorporeal killer.

— Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 27 Jan. 2026

Definition of incorporeal

Adjective

Pack with intention Ayoub frequently sees people underestimate the value of proper packing supplies and trying to fit too much into a flimsy container.

— Perri Ormont Blumberg, Architectural Digest, 12 Oct. 2026
The rules, which are never explained, are put there as flimsy excuses for aspects of the pilot that don’t hold together otherwise.

— Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of flimsy

Adjective

Then, Washington tight end Decker DeGraaf caught a pass and took off down the sideline, the former Glendora High standout running through two feeble-arm tackles on the way to an inexplicable 42-yard touchdown.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 4 Oct. 2026
Briogeo Destined for Density Serum The Briogeo Destined for Density Serum is a lightweight liquid formula that thickens feeble strands, plumps roots, and rapidly spurs new hair growth.

— Sophie Wirt, InStyle, 17 Sep. 2026

Definition of feeble

Adjective

The best moments on records like Redemption, Blackheart, and Second Line use her knack for grand, metaphysical metaphors to charge her singing with epic stakes.

— Stephen Kearse, Pitchfork, 9 Oct. 2026
Our work re-imagines these ancient tombs as theatrical spaces, built to perpetuate a form of metaphysical human experience.

— Jacqueline Ortoleva, Scientific American, 3 Oct. 2026

Definition of metaphysical

Adjective

Oakley’s spin isn’t one of those gossamer period love stories about repressed emotions — those are there, yes, but the Dashwoods are actively pressing against their station at all times.

— Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 13 Oct. 2026
These days we are surrounded by ghosts and gossamer visions vying for our attention, trying to tell us something vital—or as mundane as to shut up already, like in my case.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Sep. 2026

Definition of gossamer

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unsubdued

unsubstantial

unsubstantiality

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

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Synonyms of unsubstantial

adjective

Example Sentences

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