in essence

phrase

: in or by its very nature : essentially, basically

was in essence an honest person

Examples of in essence in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Though the names are similar and, in essence, the same word, the shift in spelling and pronunciation represents the nation’s effort to recast — rebrand, even — itself for its own people as much as for the outside world. — Ted Anthony, Los Angeles Times, 23 Sep. 2026

And in essence, Kris undergoes her transition, venturing from being uncomfortable in her own skin and discovering how to surrender to erotic, sometimes dangerous desires. — Randy Myers, Mercury News, 13 Aug. 2026

Things in essence really do start now for Blount and Lightfoot, both of whom were five-star recruits in the Class of 2024 according to the 247Sports composite ranking. — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 10 Aug. 2026

Jones’ answer, in essence, was that these are more than just plaques. — Jayson Stark, New York Times, 27 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1882, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for in essence

• excrescence
• fluorescence
• quiescence
• quintessence
• senescence
• acquiescence
• adolescence
• coalescence
• convalescence
• effervescence
• efflorescence
• evanescence