Synonyms of substance

1. substance, matter, part, portion, component part, component, constituent: usage: the real physical matter of which a person or thing consists; "DNA is the substance of our genes"
2. kernel, substance, core, center, centre, essence, gist, heart, heart and soul, inwardness, marrow, meat, nub, pith, sum, nitty-gritty, content, cognitive content, mental object: usage: the choicest or most essential or most vital part of some idea or experience; "the gist of the prosecutor's argument"; "the heart and soul of the Republican Party"; "the nub of the story"
3. meaning, substance, idea, thought: usage: the idea that is intended; "What is the meaning of this proverb?"
4. substance, physical entity: usage: material of a particular kind or constitution; "the immune response recognizes invading substances"
5. means, substance, capital: usage: considerable capital (wealth or income); "he is a man of means"
6. message, content, subject matter, substance, communication: usage: what a communication that is about something is about
7. substance, matter: usage: a particular kind or species of matter with uniform properties; "shigella is one of the most toxic substances known to man"