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Definitions

substantive

[suhb-stuhn-tiv] / ˈsʌb stən tɪv /
NOUN
nominal
Synonyms


ADJECTIVE
essential; real
Synonyms


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

But those actions seem more symbolic than substantive.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 14, 2026

Percoco wants a substantive robo-taxi update when Tesla reports first-quarter earnings on April 22.

From Barron's • Apr. 10, 2026

Neither of them made any substantive changes to core Roman Catholic doctrine, but when you’re the bishop of Rome and the head of the world’s largest single religious denomination, practice matters more than theory.

From Salon • Apr. 5, 2026

Whether or not that leads to substantive peace talks, Pakistan has already executed a diplomatic coup in its favor.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 29, 2026

They merely wanted the city to take some small but substantive steps toward resolving these long-standing issues.

From "The Best of Enemies" by Osha Gray Davidson




Vocabulary lists containing substantive