B2nounscienceacademic
US/ˈsʌb.stəns/
UK/ˈsʌb.stəns/
a particular kind of solid, liquid or gas; also the real or important part of something
In context
Lead is a toxic substance that should never be used in children's toys.
Police found an illegal substance hidden in the driver's bag.
The speech sounded good, but there was little substance in it.
Words that go with substance
adjective + noun
- harmful substanceThe factory was fined for releasing harmful substances into the river.
- chemical substanceWear gloves when you handle any chemical substance.
- illegal substanceAthletes are tested for illegal substances before the race.
noun + noun
- substance abuseThe center runs programs for teenagers with substance abuse problems.
verb + noun
- lack substanceHis argument lacks substance because it has no data.
noun + preposition
- of substanceShe is a politician of substance, not just a good speaker.