Substantial | Definition of substantial by Merriam-Webster

Full Definition of SUBSTANTIAL

1

a : consisting of or relating to substance

b : not imaginary or illusory : real, true

2

: ample to satisfy and nourish : full <a substantial meal>

3

a : possessed of means : well-to-do

b : considerable in quantity : significantly great <earned a substantial wage>

4

: firmly constructed : sturdy <a substantial house>

5

: being largely but not wholly that which is specified <a substantial lie>

— substantial noun

— sub·stan·ti·al·i·ty \-ˌstan(t)-shē-ˈa-lə-tē\ noun

— sub·stan·tial·ly \-ˈstan(t)-sh(ə-)lē\ adverb

— sub·stan·tial·ness \-ˈstan(t)-shəl-nəs\ noun

See substantial defined for English-language learners

See substantial defined for kids

14th century

Synonyms: big, consequential, earthshaking, earth-shattering, eventful, historic, major, material, meaningful, momentous, monumental, much, significant, important, tectonic, weighty

Antonyms: inconsequential, inconsiderable, insignificant, little, minor, negligible, slight, small, trifling, trivial, unimportant

1

: large in amount <a substantial improvement>

2

: important 1 <a substantial difference>

3

: firmly constructed <Substantial walls surround the castle.>

4

: abundant <a substantial meal>

5

: prosperous 1 <a substantial farmer>

6

: made up of or relating to substance : material

Next Word in the Dictionary: substantial damagesPrevious Word in the Dictionary: substantiableAll Words Near: substantial

What made you want to look up substantial? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).