substantiate

[ suhb-stan-shee-eyt ]

verb (used with object)

, sub·stan·ti·at·ed, sub·stan·ti·at·ing.

1. to establish by proof or competent evidence:

   to substantiate a charge.

   Synonyms: validate, verify, confirm, prove

2. to give substantial existence to:

   to substantiate an idea through action.

3. to affirm as having substance; give body to; strengthen:

   to substantiate a friendship.

substantiate

/ səbˈstænʃɪˌeɪt /

verb

1. to establish as valid or genuine
2. to give form or real existence to

Derived Forms

• subˈstantiˌator, noun
• subˌstantiˈation, noun
• subˈstantiative, adjective

Other Words From

• sub·stan·ti·a·ta·ble [s, uh, b-stan-shee-, eyt, -, uh, -b, uh, l] adjective
• sub·stan·ti·a·tion [s, uh, b-stan-shee-, ey, -sh, uh, n], noun
• sub·stan·ti·a·tive adjective
• sub·stan·ti·a·tor noun
• re·sub·stan·ti·ate verb (used with object) resubstantiated resubstantiating
• un·sub·stan·ti·at·a·ble adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of substantiate¹

First recorded in 1650–60; from New Latin substantiātus (past participle of substantiāre ), equivalent to Latin substanti(a) substance + -ātus -ate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of substantiate¹

C17: from New Latin substantiāre, from Latin substantia substance

Example Sentences

The Turkish government said it “fully respects international law”, adding that the UN’s February 2024 report provided “no substantiating evidence” for its “unfounded allegations”.

From BBC

Rather, their standard of proof was “reasonable grounds,” and where they couldn’t directly substantiate allegations themselves, they looked for reasonable grounds to believe they were true.

From Salon

The ASA said the health benefit and cost savings claims made in the ad could not be substantiated.

From BBC

It went on to warn him that there was “a risk that these sources will have provided Panorama with documents that will enable them to substantiate these allegations”.

From BBC

“Simply ignoring substantiated incidents of misconduct is truly untenable and indefensible.”

From Salon

Related Words

• affirm
• confirm
• corroborate
• debunk
• demonstrate
• justify
• prove
• ratify
• validate
• verify