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
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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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of essence
Still, just as no two desserts are the same, all 12 zodiac signs carry their own signature flavor, perhaps even a go-to fall treat that captures their cosmic essence.
—
Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 30 Oct. 2025
In essence, the initiative tests whether a tougher line on visa compliance can protect American jobs without undermining the innovation those same visas have long supported.
—Robert Alexander, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Oct. 2025
In essence, the Moflin was created for virtuous reasons.
—Brenna Ehrlich, Rolling Stone, 30 Oct. 2025
The Areal line, under the creative direction of Jones, is billed as a premium offering that draws on the essence of Chinese nature and the rhythm of modern life, merging Bosideng’s manufacturing expertise with his contemporary aesthetic.
—Tianwei Zhang, Footwear News, 29 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for essence
Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 30 Oct. 2025
In essence, the initiative tests whether a tougher line on visa compliance can protect American jobs without undermining the innovation those same visas have long supported.
—Robert Alexander, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Oct. 2025
In essence, the Moflin was created for virtuous reasons.
—Brenna Ehrlich, Rolling Stone, 30 Oct. 2025
The Areal line, under the creative direction of Jones, is billed as a premium offering that draws on the essence of Chinese nature and the rhythm of modern life, merging Bosideng’s manufacturing expertise with his contemporary aesthetic.
—Tianwei Zhang, Footwear News, 29 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for essence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for essence
Noun
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The most popular images depicting families are centered around nature and farmwork, leaving out indoor bonding activities like sharing meals, getting ready for work and school, playing games and shopping.—
William Jones,
USA Today,
31 Oct. 2025
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Making room for levity is, then, a way of admitting the human—not through the granular and intimate detail that lends Ferrante’s novels their power but through a broader concession to nature.—
Lily Meyer,
The Atlantic,
31 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Mongolian Cashmere Fisherman Sweater Vest Sweater vests are the perfect middle layer when the seasons transition to warm up your core without overheating your arms under jackets.—
Staff Author,
Southern Living,
30 Oct. 2025
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Season 34's core panel of judges all agreed that Earle performed exceptionally.—
Ryan Coleman,
Entertainment Weekly,
30 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Her sister struggled for years with substance use, leading their mother to assume custody of her sister's two children.—
Victoria Moorwood,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
26 Oct. 2025
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Exposure to the substance has been linked to a wide range of health impacts, including developmental problems, nervous system damage and hearing problems in children; and high blood pressure, joint pain and reproductive problems in adults.—
Madeline Holcombe,
CNN Money,
25 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Pasta Whole-grain pasta, including whole wheat pasta, retains more fiber, vitamins like B vitamins, and essential minerals such as iron and magnesium, which support heart health, digestion, and energy.—
Lauren Panoff,
Verywell Health,
29 Oct. 2025
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Now Governor Healey and the homeless industrial complex have set their heart on over-cramming capacity on Redlands Road.—
Lou Murray,
Boston Herald,
29 Oct. 2025
Noun
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But the physical being would be transformed, and perhaps the soul, which didn’t go its separate way but was always a co-conspirator with the body.—
James Marcus,
New Yorker,
3 Nov. 2025
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Sourced from July’s Bogotá Audiovisual Market (BAM), a young adult miniseries in which an 18th-century witch braves 2020s reality to grant her cat a never-ending ninth life, trailed by Marie’s seven former souls.—
John Hopewell,
Variety,
3 Nov. 2025
Noun
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Evolito itself traces its roots to YASA’s early axial flux technology.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
24 Oct. 2025
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Little Tokyo often steals the spotlight, but Gardena and Torrance’s Japanese American roots run just as deep.—
Mae Hamilton,
Travel + Leisure,
24 Oct. 2025
Noun
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While Allura’s relationship status is one of active warfare, each of her fellow partners’ respective statuses is a different manifestation of their line of work.—
Tom Smyth,
Vulture,
5 Nov. 2025
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Jesus walked earth as God’s doings and words, as a manifestation of it, but Jesus was not God.—
Jayson Buford,
Rolling Stone,
3 Nov. 2025
Noun
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Toss the crispy gnocchi with lots of sweet, fresh corn kernels, prepared pesto and a hefty sprinkle of grated cheese, and broil until the cheese gets bubbly, gooey and slightly charred in spots.—
The New York Times News Service Syndicate,
Denver Post,
22 Oct. 2025
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But critics say the memo builds on kernels of truth before veering into unscientific fringe theories.—
Stephanie Armour,
CNN Money,
16 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Essence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/essence. Accessed 5 Nov. 2025.
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