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Showing results for insubstantial. Search instead for in-substantial.
Definitions

insubstantial

[in-suhb-stan-shuhl] / ˌɪn səbˈstæn ʃəl /
ADJECTIVE
weak, imaginary
Synonyms
STRONGEST
fanciful flimsy illusory puny tenuous unreal
STRONG
unsubstantial
WEAK
aerial airy chimerical decrepit ephemeral false feeble fly-by-night fragile frail idle immaterial imponderable incorporeal infirm intangible metaphysical petty poor slender slight thin too little too late unsound
Antonyms
STRONGEST
genuine real serious strong substantial thick

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.

Many who do, such as Dan Aykroyd, say very nice things that are insubstantial; Ryan Reynolds is one of the few who comment critically on Mr. Chase’s comedic style, which is highly enlightening.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 30, 2025

It’s a majority white district, with not insubstantial Asian and Latino populations.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 26, 2024

He went on to call Cole's best verses insubstantial - "a light pack" - and declared he was the Prince to Drake's Michael Jackson.

From BBC • Apr. 5, 2024

The ads that failed were ultimately insubstantial, or otherwise objectionable.

From Slate • Feb. 12, 2024

Far too insubstantial for a piece of gold.

From "Challenger Deep" by Neal Shusterman

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.