substantially
Americanadverb
-
by an ample or considerable amount; quite a lot.
As a professor, my workload is substantially reduced or eliminated during the summer months.
-
in a basic or essential way; fundamentally.
The new law mandates equal pay for substantially similar work, whether at the same establishment or not.
-
in a solid or firm way; stoutly or sturdily.
In the far north, homes take more fuel to heat and also have to be built more substantially.
-
in a corporeal or material way; physically.
The Eucharist makes the very Person of Christ truly, really, and substantially present in the consecrated bread and wine.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of substantially
Explanation
Substantially means "to a great extent." Your college fund was substantially increased by your grandfather's generous gift. What the heck, I'll throw in a quarter, too. Substantially is a good word to know any time you want to establish something's extent. It basically suggests "a large part." Your raise made your life substantially easier. The word also suggests an essential nature, as in "Nothing was substantially changed by the new law." The word carries a great deal of weight, as can be seen in this quote by Albert Einstein: "We shall require a substantially new manner of thinking if mankind is to survive."
Vocabulary lists containing substantially
John F. Kennedy's Address to the American People on the Cuban Missile Crisis (1962)
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Lee Surrenders to Grant (1865)
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Most Dangerous
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
Diego Andrades, a former member of the city’s Charter Reform Commission, said Amendment SC won’t substantially change any requirements for board of education candidates.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 1, 2026
Jonathan Cribb, deputy director at the Institute for Fiscal Studies, said savings "are likely to be relatively small in the first few years, but rise substantially over time".
From BBC ● Sep. 29, 2026
The allegations in the civil suit are substantially different from the six-page statement the accuser gave the Cornell University Police Department two years ago, Van Houten said.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 28, 2026
Mild cognitive impairment, often shortened to MCI, describes measurable problems with memory or thinking that are greater than expected with normal aging but do not necessarily interfere substantially with everyday life.
From Science Daily ● Sep. 27, 2026
Working conditions did not substantially improve, but the company agreed to re-hire union workers and raise wages.
From "Fannie Never Flinched" by Mary Cronk Farrell
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
