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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.

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

Beacon’s Myrow says he isn’t expecting much substantive news to come out of the speech.

From Barron's • Apr. 1, 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

A few minutes later, Trump reportedly spoke with CNBC’s Joe Kernan and said negotiations had been very intense, and that he hoped the talks could achieve something substantive.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 23, 2026

Still, Pearson had to be more mindful of the concerns of black residents than at the beginning of his career—even if that mindfulness didn't translate into any substantive changes during his tenure.

From "Just Mercy" by Bryan Stevenson