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 To capture some of that essence, Guitar Center is trying to make its stores a place to hang out for novices and pros alike. — Phil Wahba, Fortune, 10 Oct. 2026 There are more signs of something nefarious in the book, as the demon is more avian in appearance, has less steady facial features, carries a putrid smell and an essence that causes some people to cough. — William Earl, Variety, 9 Oct. 2026 For the skincare enthusiast who knows her serums from her essences, an exfoliating cleanser from DIME Beauty can be a thoughtful addition to her routine. — Ethan Stone october 9, Idaho Statesman, 9 Oct. 2026 Following the Korean beauty trend, Costioli would layer on product after product — toners, serums, essences and moisturizers — in pursuit of an ultra-dewy complexion. — Taylor Nicioli, CNN Money, 8 Oct. 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
  • Sometimes, when relationships and world politics give people plenty to be angry about, the impulse is to go outside, disconnect, and be one with nature.
    — Tatiana Sataua, Fortune, 11 Oct. 2026
  • Four-day yoga retreats on the riverbank, nature walks, and helicopter flights over Victoria Falls are just some of the activities on offer.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Oct. 2026
Definition of nature
Noun
  • The core mission of the SSC is to move personnel and material off amphibious ships.
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 11 Oct. 2026
  • The market kept its core strands and added ProducerHub, InnoAsia, Doc Square and The A, and these drew people who had never attended a market before.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 10 Oct. 2026
Definition of core
Noun
  • Pappas has also supported strict limits on perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, which are synthetic chemicals that can be found in an array of consumer products, including clothing, shampoo, electronics, and cleaning products.
    — Maydeen Merino, The Washington Examiner, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Discovery of the substance immediately made Tak Sumaya, an assistant professor who helped identify it in the coffee maker water, suspicious.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of substance
Noun
  • The story follows a celebrated pediatric heart surgeon whose daughter falls prey to a vengeful ghost.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 10 Oct. 2026
  • The nine suites sell out far in advance, especially if there's a popular event in the city, so book well ahead if your heart is set on staying here.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of heart
Noun
  • Morio, already a tender and delicate soul, becomes increasingly protective of the woman carrying his child.
    — Guy Lodge, Variety, 11 Oct. 2026
  • Who could have guessed the industry that would spawn from this story of a boy who ends up playing with a doll that’s been cursed by the soul of a serial killer?
    — Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of soul
Noun
  • Each work takes its cues from Vodou spiritual practices in Haiti that are grounded in their African roots.
    — Hikmat Mohammed, ARTnews.com, 14 Oct. 2026
  • According to Snideman, the roots of the problem go back to when drivers paid vehicle licensing fees that helped fund critical services in San Mateo County.
    — Maddie White, CBS News, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of root
Noun
  • Turns out, Shakespeare didn’t have to decide, because the story works equally well whether the reader believes the figure is ectoplasm in the castle courtyard or is a psychological manifestation of Hamlet’s nagging conscience.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 13 Oct. 2026
  • The demonstrations became a more widespread manifestation of anger and anxiety about education, employment, and general livelihood issues.
    — Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of manifestation
Noun
  • These microscopic fuel kernels retain radioactive material even under extreme temperatures.
    — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 7 Oct. 2026
  • According to Farmers’ Almanac, the kernel takes one of three shapes, each representing a different forecast.
    — Tricia Goss, Southern Living, 7 Oct. 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 17 Oct. 2026.

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