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
As an Earth sign, Taurus’ Venusian essence is grounded in the physical, making those born under this sign especially alluring and attractive.
—
Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 5 Nov. 2025
This work captures the essence of live entertainment by intertwining flames, light and music spelled out in marquee-style letters that float across the canal.
—Meredith G. White, AZCentral.com, 5 Nov. 2025
This is the essence of a politicized jury.
—Chad De Guzman, Time, 4 Nov. 2025
In the past, Kennedy said, such rulings were generally limited to situations where time was of the essence, such as when a state was about to execute an inmate and an appeal for the person’s life was made to the court.
—Sacbee.com, 3 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for essence
Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 5 Nov. 2025
This work captures the essence of live entertainment by intertwining flames, light and music spelled out in marquee-style letters that float across the canal.
—Meredith G. White, AZCentral.com, 5 Nov. 2025
This is the essence of a politicized jury.
—Chad De Guzman, Time, 4 Nov. 2025
In the past, Kennedy said, such rulings were generally limited to situations where time was of the essence, such as when a state was about to execute an inmate and an appeal for the person’s life was made to the court.
—Sacbee.com, 3 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for essence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for essence
Noun
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Crown and dignity Catalina Ruiz Navarro, a Colombian feminist activist and journalist based in Mexico City, argued that the nature of beauty pageants like Miss Universe places women in a patriarchal position.—
Anabella González,
CNN Money,
8 Nov. 2025
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Plus, the very nature of recording your live stream of thoughts means a lot of editing later down the line.—
Orianna Rosa Royle,
Fortune,
7 Nov. 2025
Noun
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Visa and MasterCard have responded to growing scrutiny with minor, cosmetic adjustments, but the core problem remains unchanged.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
9 Jan. 2026
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Instead, creators will take on the role of consultants, as brands develop more substantial partnerships with the talent that now make up such a core part of their marketing strategies.—
Madeleine Schulz,
Vogue,
9 Jan. 2026
Noun
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He was suspended to begin the 1995 season for cocaine and admitted to having a substance abuse problem.—
Ryan Morik,
FOXNews.com,
8 Nov. 2025
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That strategy will include connecting people to services and, in some cases, mandating treatment for mental illnesses and substance use.—
Elliott Wenzler,
Denver Post,
8 Nov. 2025
Noun
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Kipling City Pack Backpack Pocket space is at the very heart of this backpack’s design, which has over five different compartments on the interior and exterior.—
Michelle Baricevic,
Travel + Leisure,
9 Jan. 2026
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What the museum dream team did not see was the pain in our hearts about this jail.—
Dorothy Jenkins Fields,
Miami Herald,
9 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Despite the snappy interiors, replete with a mural, crimson paint and a wall of soaring floor-to-ceiling windows (ideal for people watching while adding heaps of natural light to the space), the soul of Tacos Los Cholos remains untouched.—
Brock Keeling,
Oc Register,
6 Jan. 2026
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Designers and clients agree 'soul' is the most important home trend of the year.—
Abby Wolner,
Better Homes & Gardens,
6 Jan. 2026
Noun
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The roots anchor in the soil, providing a firm foundation for stems, branches, and leaves.—
Megan Hughes,
Better Homes & Gardens,
8 Nov. 2025
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Mulch provides insulation from extreme temperatures (cold and hot) by protecting the root system.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
Southern Living,
8 Nov. 2025
Noun
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Consciously choosing the design of this polish, applying it calmly, and visualizing your wishes for the new year transforms the manicure into an act of self-care and manifestation.—
Andrea Carbajal,
Glamour,
6 Jan. 2026
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In the Eastern rites of the Catholic Church, Theophany, which the holiday is often called in Eastern countries, celebrates the manifestation of Jesus’ divinity in addition to his baptism, according to The Catholic Witness.—
Michelle Del Rey,
USA Today,
5 Jan. 2026
Noun
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In short, at the heart within the kernel of concern for memory is a concern for death.—
Diana Arterian,
Literary Hub,
6 Nov. 2025
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For example, one study used an event camera to count corn kernels on a fast-moving feeder line, demonstrating accurate item counting in a production setting.—
Srishti Gupta,
Interesting Engineering,
5 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Essence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/essence. Accessed 10 Jan. 2026.
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