substantial
19 synonyms and 2 antonyms for substantial, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adjective — Large enough in size, amount, or value to be significant.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use substantial
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old French substanciel, from Latin substantialis, from substantia ("substance").
Full origin of substantial →Frequently asked questions
What does “substantial” mean?
The word “substantial” means large enough in size, amount, or value to be significant. In plain terms, big or important enough to really matter — a substantial amount is a lot, not a little.
How do you pronounce “substantial”?
“Substantial” is pronounced suhb-STAN-shuhl (/səbˈstænʃəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “substantial” in a sentence?
Here is “substantial” used in a sentence: “She received a substantial pay rise after her promotion.”
What is another word for “substantial”?
Words with a similar meaning to “substantial” include actual, bodily, choical, corporeal, concrete and hylic.
What is the opposite of “substantial”?
The opposite of “substantial” — its antonyms — are insubstantial and superficial.
What part of speech is “substantial”?
“Substantial” is an adjective.
Where does the word “substantial” come from?
The word “substantial” comes from Latin. From Old French substanciel, from Latin substantialis, from substantia ("substance").
Is “substantial” a common word?
“Substantial” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between substantial and significant?
Substantial emphasises that something is large in size, amount, or value, as in "a substantial sum of money." Significant emphasises that something is important or meaningful in its effect, as in "a significant discovery." A substantial amount is big, whereas a significant amount matters, and often the two overlap.
What is the difference between substantial and substantive?
Substantial usually means large in amount or value, or solid and well-built, as in "a substantial meal" or "a substantial building." Substantive means relating to the essential substance or content of something, as in "substantive changes" or "a substantive discussion." They are often confused because both come from the same root, but substantial is about size or solidity and substantive is about meaningful content.
What are common collocations with substantial?
Substantial frequently pairs with amounts and quantities, as in "substantial amount," "substantial sum," "substantial increase," "substantial evidence," and "substantial progress." It can also describe physical things, as in "a substantial building" or "a substantial meal."