# substantiate

/səbˈstænʃiˌeɪt/ (US) · /səbstˈænʃɪˌeɪt/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/substantiate
Updated: 2026-05-20

## Definition

to prove that something is true or real by providing facts or evidence. You use this when you want to show that a claim has a solid reason behind it.

For teachers: to provide evidence or proof to support a claim, theory, or fact. Transitive — requires a direct object representing the claim or evidence.

## Examples

- The scientist needs to substantiate his theory with new data.
- The lawyer asked for documents to substantiate the claim that the company had broken the contract.
- While the initial report suggested a significant drop in sales, the final audit failed to substantiate these figures, revealing that the decline was actually a minor seasonal fluctuation.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.