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 Houston’s estate worked closely with Mattel to create a doll that captures the late singer’s essence and glamour. — Cerys Davies, Los Angeles Times, 10 Aug. 2026 Roughly 40 miles northwest of Charlotte, in a spanking-clean body shop off a two-lane country road sits one of Hollywood’s most famous cars, stripped to its essence. — Joe Marusak august 8, Charlotte Observer, 8 Aug. 2026 The other Zhang leaned into was incorporating the essence of Jean Grey and the character’s comic book ties to the Phoenix. — Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 8 Aug. 2026 The 2026 Ferrari 296 Speciale Aperta embodies the essence of a true Italian supercar, offering a thrilling blend of speed, power, and precision. — Jerry Perez, The Drive, 6 Aug. 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
  • Over the next 710 days, Earth will experience three total solar eclipses visible from Europe, Africa and Australia, giving travelers an unusually accessible chance to witness one of nature’s rarest spectacles.
    — Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2026
  • The nature of Robert Carradine’s death is the subject of a new lawsuit brought against the University of California, Los Angeles by the actor’s family.
    — Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of nature
Noun
  • Instead, having a consistent, longer-term core should help Carrick further develop this United side’s tactical identity, improve the players already at his disposal, and allow cohesion and team spirit to grow naturally.
    — Conor O'Neill, New York Times, 9 Aug. 2026
  • Chapman, 33, should know Monday the severity of a hernia and a core muscle tear in his right abdomen.
    — Devin Bradshaw, Mercury News, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of core
Noun
  • For businesses facing a lawsuit, the existence of the suit is often more important than the substance of the suit itself.
    — Alona Karpinska, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
  • The dramatic recipe involves equal parts literary ambition, risk-taking, and chutzpah, with a dash of substance abuse, cooked on the high heat of adolescent lust that brings Tony to Provincetown in pursuit of a schoolmate named Nancy (Emilia Jones).
    — Sheldon Pearce, New Yorker, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of substance
Noun
  • Things get increasingly bleak, as the family dog’s heart medicine runs out and Jason has to put him out of his misery, and then — in doomsday prepper mode — carves up the body and puts it in the freezer just in case food gets dire.
    — William Earl, Variety, 8 Aug. 2026
  • He was rushed to Luton and Dunstable Hospital, where doctors restarted his heart before transferring him to the Royal Brompton Hospital in London for specialist care.
    — Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of heart
Noun
  • My husband’s relatives (immediate and extended family) are all Christians for whom winning souls to salvation is a crucial matter.
    — R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Over its 61 seasons on television and streaming, Days has obviously had a number of famous faces stop by Salem, including a teenage LeAnn Rimes, soul-music icon Smokey Robinson, Real Housewives star Kyle Richards, and talk-show titan Jerry Springer.
    — Josef Adalian, Vulture, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of soul
Noun
  • Beyond these new flavors, Karol G still reminds listeners of her strong Colombian roots and Latin music expertise.
    — Maya Georgi, Rolling Stone, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Matt Wood is 5’7, five inches shorter than Jackman, but that would be good enough to satisfy most fans hoping Logan goes back to his comic roots.
    — Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of root
Noun
  • The manifestations go beyond the growing equity control of businesses.
    — James K. Glassman, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Surely under our Constitution and laws the enlargement of our limits is a manifestation of the highest attribute of sovereignty, and if entered upon as an Executive act all things relating to the transaction should be clear and free from suspicion.
    — Britannica Editors, Encyclopedia Britannica, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of manifestation
Noun
  • After obtaining remote code execution, agents inspected the local system, identified a Linux kernel version vulnerable to a recent privilege escalation flaw, downloaded an exploit, adapted it and obtained root access.
    — Ron Schmelzer, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Meanwhile, cook 2 cups yellow corn kernels in a medium skillet, preferably nonstick, over medium heat until warmed through and browned in spots, 6 to 8 minutes.
    — Tribune News Service, Baltimore Sun, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of kernel

Phrases Containing essence

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Cite this Entry

“Essence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/essence. Accessed 15 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on essence

Nglish: Translation of essence for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about essence

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