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
Relevance
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
Peralta, in this moment, had narrowed Willard down to his essence as an instructor.
—
Tim Britton, New York Times, 12 Mar. 2026
Set about five minutes in the future, Anima revolves around the possibilities of virtual reality and is, at its essence, a story of more age-old concerns — namely, the parent-child bond and the transcendent power of music.
—Sheri Linden, HollywoodReporter, 12 Mar. 2026
For outerwear, boxy check blazers and cape-like ponchos provided chic coverage, and to close out the show, a series of ethereal ruffled gowns embodied the carefree essence of Chloé.
—Kevin Huynh, InStyle, 12 Mar. 2026
Leading up to Sunday's ceremony, O'Brien told reporters at a pre-Oscars conference earlier Wednesday that hosting the show connected him closer to the essence of his late father.
—Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 12 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for essence
Tim Britton, New York Times, 12 Mar. 2026
Set about five minutes in the future, Anima revolves around the possibilities of virtual reality and is, at its essence, a story of more age-old concerns — namely, the parent-child bond and the transcendent power of music.
—Sheri Linden, HollywoodReporter, 12 Mar. 2026
For outerwear, boxy check blazers and cape-like ponchos provided chic coverage, and to close out the show, a series of ethereal ruffled gowns embodied the carefree essence of Chloé.
—Kevin Huynh, InStyle, 12 Mar. 2026
Leading up to Sunday's ceremony, O'Brien told reporters at a pre-Oscars conference earlier Wednesday that hosting the show connected him closer to the essence of his late father.
—Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 12 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for essence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for essence
Noun
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In any case, its proximity is ideal for those looking for quick and easy access to nature.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
19 Mar. 2026
-
Ken Heinz Hedge Fund Research That breakdown in traditional relationships reflects the unusual nature of the current shock, said industry veterans.—
Lee Ying Shan,
CNBC,
18 Mar. 2026
Noun
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In Geekbench, the A18 Pro’s single-core speeds weren't terribly far behind the A16’s multi-core<\/em> speeds.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
20 Mar. 2026
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At the core of the system is the ability to read ErrPs generated in the brain’s anterior cingulate cortex.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
19 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The facility would have 50-70 beds and provide treatment for people who are committed to a state institution or ordered to receive treatment for substance use disorder.—
Shaun Boyd,
CBS News,
18 Mar. 2026
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Physica described the healing properties of plants, animal substances, and earthly elements.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
18 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The kind of traveler who loves customized itineraries is a trendsetter at heart, someone with an insatiable curiosity for the world and a penchant for authentic experiences.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
17 Mar. 2026
-
May God fill your heart with gladness to cheer you.—
Abigail Van Buren,
Boston Herald,
17 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Many ancient cultures believed reflections held pieces of a person’s soul.—
Alexis Simmerman,
Austin American Statesman,
13 Mar. 2026
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In a floating fortress of 2,000 souls, suspicion spreads and a murder investigation turns into a global security crisis.—
John Hopewell,
Variety,
13 Mar. 2026
Noun
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See latest conditions Rainfall during the critical germination months from September through November was well below normal, and the winter rain needed to support deep roots and healthy growth also fell short.—
Marley Malenfant,
Austin American Statesman,
20 Mar. 2026
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The roots of the quaint hotel—once home to a cardinal—are reflected in the guest rooms’ tapestries, oak floors, and Carrara-marble bathrooms.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
19 Mar. 2026
Noun
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There are a few different ways to interpret this most recent manifestation of the Administration’s talent for hypocrisy.—
Gideon Lewis-Kraus,
New Yorker,
14 Mar. 2026
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Perhaps some paper manifestations just in time for the year of the Fire Horse.—
Xuan Juliana Wang,
Los Angeles Times,
12 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The Bottom Line on Sleepmaxxing As with many social media health trends, there’s a kernel of a good idea here.—
Helen Carefoot,
Flow Space,
11 Mar. 2026
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In addition to the bacon and sausage, this queso is packed with filling black beans, corn kernels, scallions, cheese, jalapeños, and our favorite, Rotel tomatoes.—
Josh Miller,
Southern Living,
8 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Essence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/essence. Accessed 20 Mar. 2026.
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