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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Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of essence
If these blue state governors want to reverse this mass out migration, time is of the essence.
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Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 26 Nov. 2024
What’s happening in the moment is in essence a distraction from Lamar’s larger creative mission.
—Jon Caramanica, New York Times, 25 Nov. 2024
Photo-Illustration: Vulture; Photos: Paramount Nearly every TV show that Taylor Sheridan has ever produced has been, in essence, a crime drama.
—Noel Murray, Vulture, 18 Nov. 2024
The tools take advantage of Generative adversarial networks, which, in essence, try to trick the AI algorithm with incorrect (i.e., adversarial) data.
—PCMAG, 12 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for essence 
Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 26 Nov. 2024
What’s happening in the moment is in essence a distraction from Lamar’s larger creative mission.
—Jon Caramanica, New York Times, 25 Nov. 2024
Photo-Illustration: Vulture; Photos: Paramount Nearly every TV show that Taylor Sheridan has ever produced has been, in essence, a crime drama.
—Noel Murray, Vulture, 18 Nov. 2024
The tools take advantage of Generative adversarial networks, which, in essence, try to trick the AI algorithm with incorrect (i.e., adversarial) data.
—PCMAG, 12 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for essence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for essence
Noun
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In this novel about the shape-shifting nature of love, Parsons captures Kit’s grief in aching and honest terms.Annabel Gutterman, TIME, 6 Dec. 2024
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Jobs like construction work or firefighting also raise your risk for arm fractures because of the physical nature of the work and the potential for accidents.Maggie Aime, MSN, Health, 6 Dec. 2024
Noun
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The core of that team returned for 2024, including Ramsey and senior linebacker Kaiden Lee.Jacob Steinberg, Baltimore Sun, 30 Nov. 2024
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At their core, Builders value stability and community above all else.Mark Travers, Forbes, 30 Nov. 2024
Noun
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In a competitive market, businesses that lean into this movement by offering products that speak to both style and substance are poised for success.Kate Hardcastle, Forbes, 29 Nov. 2024
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This is the iPhone of herbal vaporizers and is better for your lungs and anyone who would object to the odor of certain substances.WIRED, WIRED, 29 Nov. 2024
Noun
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Tokyo holds a special place in my heart as my top travel destination.Jennifer Kester, Forbes, 6 Dec. 2024
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The client’s interests should always be taken to heart.Jennifer Pierce, USA TODAY, 6 Dec. 2024
Noun
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With a fine harbor and home to significant granite quarries, Alexandria Troas held great strategic importance and wielded a staggering population of 100,000 souls.John Oseid, Forbes, 2 Dec. 2024
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As blood spills from Grant's head, Kayce explains he's just taken a piece of the man's soul by striking him.EW.com, EW.com, 2 Dec. 2024
Noun
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This rapidly evolving industry traces its roots back to the creation of the Singapore Sling at Raffles Hotel in 1915, one of Asia’s most iconic cocktails.Paul Caputo, Forbes, 28 Nov. 2024
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Nestled in the heart of View Park-Windsor Hills, the restaurant is a love letter to the rich cultural tapestry of Black South Central L.A., offering patrons an elevated yet approachable space to indulge in fine dining while soaking in the area’s artistic and historic roots.Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 27 Nov. 2024
Noun
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The event, a manifestation of resilience and hope for the enduring health of our planet, was presented by Banco do Brasil, and received full support from the government of Pará.Isabela Raygoza, Billboard, 27 Nov. 2024
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Coworkers can educate themselves on LGBTQ+ experiences and the various manifestations of bias and discrimination.Carter Brown, Sun Sentinel, 12 Nov. 2024
Noun
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Some air poppers include the bowl, while the classic air popper blows popped kernels through a shaft on the top and into your howl.BestReviews, Sun Sentinel, 25 Nov. 2024
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The kernels are cooked in the reserved drippings, then the rest of the bacon is crumbled over the popcorn.Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 24 Nov. 2024
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Cite this Entry
“Essence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/essence. Accessed 12 Dec. 2024.
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