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substantial Meaning & Definition

/səbˈstænʃəl/

What Does Substantial Mean?

Substantial is used as an adjective meaning Having a substance; actually existing. It can also mean Not imaginary; real; actual; true; veritable. As a noun, it means Anything having substance; an essential part.

Quick Facts About Substantial

Part of speechadjective, noun
Pronunciation//səbˈstænʃəl//
Syllables1
Synonymssignificant, essential and substantive
Antonymsunreal, insubstantial and unsubstantial
Pluralsubstantials
Comparative / superlativemore substantial, most substantial

Substantial Definition (Adjective)

  1. Having a substance; actually existing.

    substantial life

  2. Not imaginary; real; actual; true; veritable.
  3. Corporeal; material; firm.
  4. Having good substance; strong; stout; solid; firm.

    substantial cloth

  5. Addressing the substance of an injury

    Substantial damages (i.e. damages set at a level that exactly covers the plaintiff's losses; synonym: compensatory damgages)

  6. Possessed of goods or an estate; moderately wealthy.

    a substantial freeholder

  7. Large in size, quantity, or value; ample; significant.

    He inherited a substantial amount of money from his uncle.

  8. Most important; essential.
  9. Satisfying; having sufficient substance to be nourishing or filling.

    I don't just want a snack; I need something substantial.

Substantial as a Noun

  1. Anything having substance; an essential part.

Synonyms of Substantial

Substantial synonyms and antonyms →

Antonyms of Substantial

Substantial in a Sentence

substantial life

substantial cloth

a substantial fence or wall

Substantial damages (i.e. damages set at a level that exactly covers the plaintiff's losses; synonym: compensatory damgages)

a substantial freeholder

He inherited a substantial amount of money from his uncle.

A substantial number of people went to the event.

I don't just want a snack; I need something substantial.

Teddy had a few crackers in his backpack, but he needed something more substantial if he was to survive a three-day trek.

Word Forms & Grammar

substantial (comparative more substantial, superlative most substantial)

substantial (plural substantials)

Words That Rhyme With Substantial

Origin of Substantial

From Middle English substancial, substantiall, from Old French substanciel, substantiel and its etymon Latin substantiālis.[1][2]

Pronouncing Substantial

Substantial is pronounced //səbˈstænʃəl// and has 1 syllable.

Quick Answers About Substantial

Is substantial an adjective or a noun?

Substantial is mainly used as an adjective, but it can also be used as a noun.

What is another word for substantial?

Words with a similar meaning to substantial include significant, essential and substantive. See the full list of substantial synonyms and antonyms.

What is the opposite of substantial?

Antonyms of substantial include unreal, insubstantial and unsubstantial.

What is the plural of substantial?

The plural of substantial is substantials.

What are the comparative and superlative forms of substantial?

The comparative form is more substantial and the superlative form is most substantial.

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