substance
noun
sub·stance
ˈsəb-stən(t)s 
1
a
: essential nature : essence
b
: a fundamental or characteristic part or quality
c
Christian Science
: god sense 1b
2
a
: ultimate reality that underlies all outward manifestations and change
b
: practical importance : meaning, usefulness
the … bill—which will be without substance in the sense that it will authorize nothing more than a set of ideas—
Richard Reeves
Richard Reeves3
a
: physical material from which something is made or which has discrete existence
b
: matter of particular or definite chemical constitution
c
: something (such as drugs or alcoholic beverages) deemed harmful and usually subject to legal restriction
possession of a controlled substance
substance abuse
4
: material possessions : property
a family of substance
Examples of substance in a Sentence
The pancreas secretes a substance called insulin.
The floor was covered with a white, powdery substance that turned out to be flour.
heroin and other illegal substances
He had a history of substance abuse.
When has he ever said anything of substance?
The results of the study give substance to their theory.
the substance of my argument
Recent Examples on the Web
But the same things that prevent parents from maintaining employment or housing — especially substance abuse and mental illness — often inhibit them from engaging in services, while also diminishing their ability to protect and care for their children.
—Emily Putnam-Hornstein and Naomi Schaefer Riley, Twin Cities, 13 Apr. 2025
This gap results in untreated conditions and higher health care costs, which contribute to issues such as homelessness and substance abuse.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 11 Apr. 2025
Within the compulsively readable and entertaining pages of all her stories, Weiner loads complex issues that resonate in women’s lives – body image and weight shaming; motherhood and infertility; infidelity; addiction and substance abuse, just to name a few.
—Samantha Dunn, Oc Register, 11 Apr. 2025
An increase in testosterone can cause the skin to produce more sebum, an oily substance that can clog pores and cause acne.
—Claire Bugos, Verywell Health, 10 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for substance
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Emily Putnam-Hornstein and Naomi Schaefer Riley, Twin Cities, 13 Apr. 2025
This gap results in untreated conditions and higher health care costs, which contribute to issues such as homelessness and substance abuse.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 11 Apr. 2025
Within the compulsively readable and entertaining pages of all her stories, Weiner loads complex issues that resonate in women’s lives – body image and weight shaming; motherhood and infertility; infidelity; addiction and substance abuse, just to name a few.
—Samantha Dunn, Oc Register, 11 Apr. 2025
An increase in testosterone can cause the skin to produce more sebum, an oily substance that can clog pores and cause acne.
—Claire Bugos, Verywell Health, 10 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for substance
Cite this Entry
“Substance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/substance. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
substance
noun
sub·stance
ˈsəb-stən(t)s
1
a
: essential nature : essence
divine substance
b
: the fundamental or essential part, quality, or meaning
the substance of the speech
2
a
: physical material from which something is made
b
: material of particular or definite chemical constitution
an oily substance
c
: something (as drugs or alcoholic beverages) considered harmful and usually subject to legal restriction
substance abuse
3
: material possessions : property
a person of substance
Medical Definition
substance
noun
sub·stance
ˈsəb-stən(t)s
1
: physical material from which something is made or which has discrete existence
the substance of nerve tissue
2
: matter of particular or definite chemical constitution
3
: something (as alcohol, methamphetamine, or marijuana) deemed harmful and usually subject to legal restriction
heroin is a controlled substance
substance abuse
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