Content
Content noun - A major object of interest or concern (as in a discussion or artistic composition).
Usage example: although I appreciate the poem's lyrical qualities, I don't understand its content
Substance is a synonym for content in subject matter topic. In some cases you can use "Substance" instead a noun "Content", when it comes to topics like purpose, significance, essence, theme. popular alternative
Substance
Substance noun - The choicest or most essential or most vital part of some idea or experience.
Content is a synonym for substance in purpose topic. You can use "Content" instead a noun "Substance", if it concerns topics such as significance, theme, meaningfulness, table of contents. popular alternative
Mutual synonyms
Related pairs
How words are described
Both words in one sentence
-
Creative Sterility: Art without content or substance is what Helmholtz makes, and it's ultimately why he doesn't like the system.
Source: Literature / Brave New World - Stylistically it's the same as it always was (substance over style), but the content has expanded to everything from technical and physics breakdowns of the latest 40k novel to exchanging recipes.
Source: Website / StarDestroyer.net - It underscores an important lesson - even if you feel no effect from a substance, do not take more of it - especially if you are unsure of its actual content.
Source: Website / Erowid
Cite this Source
Substance and Content. (2016). Retrieved 2026, August 18, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/content/substance
Content & Substance. N.p., 2016. Web. 18 Aug. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/content/substance>.
Substance or Content. 2016. Accessed August 18, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/content/substance.
Google Ngram Viewer shows how "content" and "substance" have occurred on timeline