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essence

noun

ˈe-sᵊn(t)s How to pronounce essence (audio)
Definition of essencenext
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

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of essence For me, slasher films at their very essence are simple and primal. — William Earl, Variety, 10 Sep. 2026 Lumesa, which came from the word Lumen meaning light, captures the essence of the startup better. — Roy Stephen Canivel, Footwear News, 10 Sep. 2026 On an even larger scale, the NFL removed the essence that attracted him to the game in the first place. — Alec Lewis, New York Times, 10 Sep. 2026 In fact, researchers describe authenticity as the very essence of well-being. — Marisa G. Franco, CNBC, 9 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for essence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for essence
  1. nature
  2. core
  3. substance
  4. heart
  5. soul
  6. root
  7. manifestation
  8. kernel
Noun
  • At a time when Congress can’t seem to agree on much, the bipartisan nature and broad support of the bipartisan Protect College Sports Act speak volumes about the urgency of the problem and why it must be passed.
    — The Orlando Sentinel, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 Sep. 2026
  • Art books by their very nature are deluxe, image filled and thoughtfully designed.
    — Marc Weingarten, Los Angeles Times, 19 Sep. 2026
Definition of nature
Noun
  • Related Stories That’s around four times the average budget of Spain’s core subsidy fund at the country‘s ICAA Film Board.
    — John Hopewell, Variety, 19 Sep. 2026
  • Waymo plans to operate in and around Charlotte’s uptown core and expand gradually over time, the company said.
    — Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 19 Sep. 2026
Definition of core
Noun
  • Timothy Westlake, chief of staff at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration who is seeking confirmation to be assistant secretary for mental health and substance use, was also questioned.
    — FATIMA HUSSEIN, Arkansas Online, 17 Sep. 2026
  • Tate McRae has so many more substances to dunk herself in, after all.
    — Bethy Squires, Vulture, 16 Sep. 2026
Definition of substance
Noun
  • To lead a child to a gas chamber demands a hardness of heart that must be cultivated.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 18 Sep. 2026
  • To Longwell, such statements suggest that voters don’t want politicians to force them to choose between their hearts and their fears.
    — Isaac Arnsdorf, New Yorker, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of heart
Noun
  • Singh is serious about his craft, thinking long and hard about how to create a sound that feels recognizably country while retaining a Punjabi folk soul.
    — Harmeet Kaur, CNN Money, 19 Sep. 2026
  • Cultural performances in the lounge after dark carry the energy of the day forward, so the soul of the river stays with you even when the ship is still.
    — Condé Nast Traveler, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of soul
Noun
  • Legion targets contested airspace The system’s roots stretch back to Lockheed Martin’s earlier IRST work.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 17 Sep. 2026
  • Many South Koreans believe the government needs to do more to address the root causes behind the epidemic.
    — Will Barker, TheWeek, 16 Sep. 2026
Definition of root
Noun
  • It was considered a manifestation of the god Ptah, believed to be the patron of craftsmen, and finding traces on a coffin corroborates this connection.
    — Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 11 Sep. 2026
  • What is manifestation if not telling yourself an aspirational lie until the universe responds accordingly?
    — Julissa James, Los Angeles Times, 10 Sep. 2026
Definition of manifestation
Noun
  • The grain is smaller than wheat, for example, and farmers and researchers still are finding the best ways to adapt farm equipment so the kernel isn’t damaged during harvest.
    — Joshua A. Bickel, Los Angeles Times, 19 Sep. 2026
  • When the pressure is released, the mold then snaps up like a kernel of popcorn to the final size of a midsole, with the tiny holes expanding to the brand’s signature CloudTec pattern.
    — Stephen Garner, Footwear News, 15 Sep. 2026
Definition of kernel

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Cite this Entry

“Essence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/essence. Accessed 23 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on essence

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about essence

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