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
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Recent Examples of essence
Still, Haliburton said the odds of him playing in Game 6 on Thursday are, in essence, 100 percent.
—
Sam Amick, New York Times, 17 June 2025
Rooted in the essence of the earth, the fragrance opens with bursts of Sicilian lime, and aromatic Timur pepper, with notes of safe and juniper berry.
—Angelina Villa-Clarke, Forbes.com, 16 June 2025
The dilemma is how to retain the beneficial essence of CEQA while dealing with the downsides.
—Daniel Yost, Mercury News, 16 June 2025
In essence, the Checkers are hoping this final series is just a continuation of a dominant stretch that’s lasted nearly two months.
—Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 14 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for essence
Sam Amick, New York Times, 17 June 2025
Rooted in the essence of the earth, the fragrance opens with bursts of Sicilian lime, and aromatic Timur pepper, with notes of safe and juniper berry.
—Angelina Villa-Clarke, Forbes.com, 16 June 2025
The dilemma is how to retain the beneficial essence of CEQA while dealing with the downsides.
—Daniel Yost, Mercury News, 16 June 2025
In essence, the Checkers are hoping this final series is just a continuation of a dominant stretch that’s lasted nearly two months.
—Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 14 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for essence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for essence
Noun
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But any government bringing its own military inside Iran’s borders should understand the nature of the country.—
Karl Vick,
Time,
22 June 2025
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Netflix has given some hints as to the nature of the final season of Outer Banks with new first-look pics and cast announcements.—
Bethy Squires,
Vulture,
22 June 2025
Noun
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Despite Benfica’s determination to preserve the core of a potentially special team, Fernandez returned to Portugal with Chelsea hot in pursuit.—
Liam Twomey,
New York Times,
28 June 2025
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History is also at the core of the third installation, which may be my favorite.—
Sal Pizarro,
Mercury News,
28 June 2025
Noun
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The industry, which also helped Thailand become a tourist haunt for those looking to access the substance, was estimated in 2022 to hit $1.2 billion by 2025.—
Chad de Guzman,
Time,
27 June 2025
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The report says that running away can expose children to other adverse consequences like human trafficking, involvement with the criminal justice system, substance use and falling behind in school.—
Ginny Monk,
Hartford Courant,
27 June 2025
Noun
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Rather than solely leaning on designing for moneyed families and those with means to drop thousands on new pieces each season, the designer opts to create from his heart.—
Robyn Mowatt,
Essence,
22 June 2025
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Roth went right for Rubin’s heart, invoking the Paul Skenes Topps MLB Debut Patch autographed one-of-one card that famously sold for $1.11 million to Dick’s Sporting Goods in March.—
Larry Holder,
New York Times,
22 June 2025
Noun
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Related article Bruce Springsteen’s European tour comes with a warning about the battle for America’s soul Springsteen has not held back on sharing his thoughts about the current White House resident.—
Lisa Respers France,
CNN Money,
18 June 2025
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Do not let your body define your soul, let your soul find your body.—
Emily Blackwood,
People.com,
18 June 2025
Noun
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Wang’s team compared the highly active genes in both rabbits and mice after injury and traced the roots of this difference to a gene called Aldh1a2, which was strongly activated in rabbits and remained inactive in mice.—
Jacek Krywko,
ArsTechnica,
26 June 2025
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The roots of the Phlegms begin with McKitrick, who grew up in Houston, Texas, and Williams, who is from Little Rock.—
Sean Clancy,
Arkansas Online,
26 June 2025
Noun
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One of the manifestations of the forces of evil that the CAC congregants see themselves in battle with is depression.—
Livia Gershon,
JSTOR Daily,
12 June 2025
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This is a core manifestation of fascism — using federal forces to put down dissent.—
Dominic Patten,
Deadline,
8 June 2025
Noun
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Fleck suggested first finding that kernel of truth in what the other person is saying or doing.—
Bruce Y. Lee,
Forbes.com,
26 May 2025
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For decades the jewelry house Tane México 1942 has translated its Mexican heritage and identity into silver, drawing inspiration from items as diverse as kernels of corn, Oaxacan needlework and even Frida Kahlo’s signature braids.—
Janelle Conaway,
New York Times,
20 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Essence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/essence. Accessed 1 Jul. 2025.
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