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
In essence, this is a restructuring of last year’s first-ever Florida Independent Tournament, which was offered to state series teams that did not make the playoffs but not to teams like Windermere that did not play district schedules.
—
Buddy Collings, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 Feb. 2026
There is a decor trend, an aesthetic, an essence of sorts that has truly survived the tests of time and remains as beloved as ever.
—Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 4 Feb. 2026
There are times in which Moonglow feels like an amateur production, even if the craft level remains high and Sandoval’s earnestness in capturing the genre’s essence feels admirable.
—Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 4 Feb. 2026
And Nancy Guthrie’s medical needs make time of the essence.
—Josh Campbell, CNN Money, 4 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for essence
Buddy Collings, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 Feb. 2026
There is a decor trend, an aesthetic, an essence of sorts that has truly survived the tests of time and remains as beloved as ever.
—Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 4 Feb. 2026
There are times in which Moonglow feels like an amateur production, even if the craft level remains high and Sandoval’s earnestness in capturing the genre’s essence feels admirable.
—Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 4 Feb. 2026
And Nancy Guthrie’s medical needs make time of the essence.
—Josh Campbell, CNN Money, 4 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for essence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for essence
Noun
-
Let nature star in your indoor seasonal displays with these creative ideas for bulbs for winter flowers.—
Miranda Crowell,
Better Homes & Gardens,
11 Feb. 2026
-
Very social by nature, Marie enjoys connecting with others and forms strong bonds with both peers and adults when a genuine connection is made.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
11 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Perhaps, on extremely long timescales, those heavier elements will sink to the center of the core, producing an inert center that slows the rate of fusion even further.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
6 Feb. 2026
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Sina Azodi, the director of the Middle East Studies Program at George Washington University, told Fox News Digital that Khamenei’s authority stems from direct control over Iran’s core power centers.—
Efrat Lachter,
FOXNews.com,
6 Feb. 2026
Noun
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The report claimed that long-term exposure to the substance can damage the liver and kidneys.—
Angela Velasquez,
Sourcing Journal,
11 Feb. 2026
-
She is also ordered to enroll in an animal cruelty prevention and education course and an impulse control program and undergo mental health and substance use evaluations.—
DeJanay Booth-Singleton,
CBS News,
11 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Surgery, cancer, heart and lung diseases, age (over 40 years old) and family history are among risk factors for developing a pulmonary embolism, per Medline Plus.—
Anthony Robledo,
USA Today,
10 Feb. 2026
-
In January, lawyer Robert Pang said Lai suffered health issues including heart palpitations, high blood pressure and diabetes.—
Kanis Leung,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The crushing weight of those numbers froze my soul.—
Phil Plait,
Scientific American,
13 Feb. 2026
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As someone who moved to the South not knowing a soul, building a network has been key.—
Heidi Finley,
Charlotte Observer,
13 Feb. 2026
Noun
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While neighboring vineyards resorted to grafting their vines onto pest-resistant American roots, DRC used various intensive strategies to keep its original European vines intact, at least until the 1940s.—
Pin Yen Tan 9 min ago,
CNN Money,
6 Feb. 2026
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In 2017, McRae went back to her YouTube roots and uploaded a video of herself singing an original ballad.—
Janelle Ash,
FOXNews.com,
6 Feb. 2026
Noun
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But on Monday, the French pharma firm reported that clinical trial results showed its experimental oral drug venglustat improved the neurological manifestations of what’s known as type 3 Gaucher disease, which can include poor muscle coordination and cognitive issues.—
Andrew Joseph,
STAT,
2 Feb. 2026
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Eventually there will be a physical manifestation of the Hall, a building somewhere with plaques and memorabilia and exhibits honoring the rich history of sports in Southern California, but that will be at the back end.—
Jim Alexander,
Oc Register,
31 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Among fortified cereals, ready-to-eat whole-grain kernel options tend to contain the most iron.—
Brandi Jones,
Health,
9 Feb. 2026
-
There’s still a kernel of disbelief that this is his job.—
Sam Farmer,
Los Angeles Times,
6 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Essence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/essence. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
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