1
as in nature
the quality or qualities that make a thing what it is
the belief that power ultimately rests with the people is the very essence of democracy
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in core
the central part or aspect of something under consideration
presented the essence of weeks of testimony in a 20-minute appeal to the jury
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of essence
The same essence, but a different person, 20 years later.
—
Jessica Roiz, Billboard, 8 Jan. 2026
Capturing ‘the essence of Manolo’ The Charlotte premiere is being presented by the Foundation For The Carolinas - Robinson Center for Civic Leadership, Manolo’s Bakery, the Carolina Theatre and Cine Casual, which presents the Charlotte Latino Film Festival.
—Liz Rothaus Bertrand, Charlotte Observer, 7 Jan. 2026
Preserving lives Pettini said time is of the essence when helping reverse the shock of traumatic blood loss.
—Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 7 Jan. 2026
In essence, Lopatin’s process was not unlike what Safdie was doing with his mash-up of Gabriel’s song and the 1940s footage.
—Chris O'Falt, IndieWire, 6 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for essence
Jessica Roiz, Billboard, 8 Jan. 2026
Capturing ‘the essence of Manolo’ The Charlotte premiere is being presented by the Foundation For The Carolinas - Robinson Center for Civic Leadership, Manolo’s Bakery, the Carolina Theatre and Cine Casual, which presents the Charlotte Latino Film Festival.
—Liz Rothaus Bertrand, Charlotte Observer, 7 Jan. 2026
Preserving lives Pettini said time is of the essence when helping reverse the shock of traumatic blood loss.
—Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 7 Jan. 2026
In essence, Lopatin’s process was not unlike what Safdie was doing with his mash-up of Gabriel’s song and the 1940s footage.
—Chris O'Falt, IndieWire, 6 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for essence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for essence
Noun
-
With minimal resort development and a strong focus on nature, hiking and local food culture, La Gomera appeals to travelers seeking a Spanish island experience that feels authentic and uncrowded, especially when visited outside peak season.—
Rebecca Ann Hughes,
Forbes.com,
22 Jan. 2026
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The judge said the sentence reflected the complexity of the mixed verdicts following two lengthy trials and the almost Jekyll-and-Hyde nature of Bongiovanni's career, in which the lawman racked up enough front-page accolades to fill a trophy case.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
22 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Peloton’s core revenue streams—sales of hardware and subscription services—have both faced challenges.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
23 Jan. 2026
-
As is the ethos with all its non-Asian properties, GHM’s core aesthetic seamlessly fuses with local design and culture, so at The Chedi, the vibe is bougie Bedouin meets Zen Master.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
22 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Court records and testimony revealed that Wilson cycled in and out of counseling programs, substance abuse treatment and brief periods of stability.—
Jane LaCroix,
PEOPLE,
22 Jan. 2026
-
However, as the substance is considered a supplement and not a medicine, formulations by manufacturers often bypass strict regulatory controls.—
Forbes.com,
Forbes.com,
22 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Kipling City Pack Backpack Pocket space is at the very heart of this backpack’s design, which has over five different compartments on the interior and exterior.—
Michelle Baricevic,
Travel + Leisure,
9 Jan. 2026
-
What the museum dream team did not see was the pain in our hearts about this jail.—
Dorothy Jenkins Fields,
Miami Herald,
9 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
For the architect, the fire prompted an existential crisis, an exercise in soul searching and an exploration, amidst the psychologically lingering smoke and ash, of what was essentially called for, architecturally, in the region.—
Richard Olsen,
Forbes.com,
24 Jan. 2026
-
That the lawyers have been asked to come into a contract dispute between a quarterback and a college ought not surprise a soul.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
24 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Likewise, the sugars produced by the green leaves of a scion cannot be shared with the lower stem and roots of the plant if the graft fails.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
23 Jan. 2026
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Now, guests can sleep in those same rooms, breathe in its history, and experience live music that can trace its roots all the way back to those glory days.—
Paul Oswell,
Condé Nast Traveler,
22 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Consciously choosing the design of this polish, applying it calmly, and visualizing your wishes for the new year transforms the manicure into an act of self-care and manifestation.—
Andrea Carbajal,
Glamour,
6 Jan. 2026
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In the Eastern rites of the Catholic Church, Theophany, which the holiday is often called in Eastern countries, celebrates the manifestation of Jesus’ divinity in addition to his baptism, according to The Catholic Witness.—
Michelle Del Rey,
USA Today,
5 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Though the eco mode struggled to pick up a popcorn kernel, the turbo mode handled it easily.—
Nashia Baker,
Architectural Digest,
16 Jan. 2026
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Whole wheat bread is made from whole wheat flour and includes all parts of the wheat kernel.—
Brittany Lubeck,
Verywell Health,
15 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Essence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/essence. Accessed 26 Jan. 2026.
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