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
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
Gardening is, in essence, a science experiment with variables, such as water, temperature and sun exposure.
—
Shelley Mitchell, The Conversation, 23 Apr. 2026
The latest news is, in essence, a third iteration of how best to expand Villa Park, chiefly led by the rebuild of its North Stand.
—Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 22 Apr. 2026
Brian had violated that code, the very essence of fairness—and behind their backs.
—Literary Hub, 21 Apr. 2026
It’s meant to encapsulate a Mediterranean essence that is bright and refreshing, but also complex with a bittersweet note.
—Anne Bratskeir, Travel + Leisure, 21 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for essence
Shelley Mitchell, The Conversation, 23 Apr. 2026
The latest news is, in essence, a third iteration of how best to expand Villa Park, chiefly led by the rebuild of its North Stand.
—Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 22 Apr. 2026
Brian had violated that code, the very essence of fairness—and behind their backs.
—Literary Hub, 21 Apr. 2026
It’s meant to encapsulate a Mediterranean essence that is bright and refreshing, but also complex with a bittersweet note.
—Anne Bratskeir, Travel + Leisure, 21 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for essence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for essence
Noun
-
Most of all, life at Kukuiʻula allows residents to experience the feelings of belonging, family togetherness, and ties to nature that permeate Hawaiian culture.—
Robb Report Studio,
Robb Report,
23 Apr. 2026
-
One final metric that explains the nature of Bromley’s style is their passing sequences.—
Anantaajith Raghuraman,
New York Times,
23 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
At its core, the hospice benefit is simple.—
Tom Koutsoumpas,
Oc Register,
24 Apr. 2026
-
Focus on core power Gaines advocates for building a strong core through any movement, even during ordinary day-to-day activities.—
Khloe Quill,
FOXNews.com,
23 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Five more locations are in the works throughout the county, and those kiosks are expected to be installed by the end of the year, said Seth Middleton, Jackson County Public Health’s senior program manager of substance use prevention.—
Nathan Pilling,
Kansas City Star,
22 Apr. 2026
-
According to Hatters-Friedman’s research, fathers who commit filicide are more likely to have a previous history of violence, substance abuse and mental illness.—
Chelsea Bailey,
CNN Money,
22 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Kristin Arielle Oliver passed away in June 2020 at the age of 31 after battling a rare heart cancer that required many blood transfusions.—
Francine Knowles,
Chicago Tribune,
27 Apr. 2026
-
The centrality of the extra-long flyback chronograph seconds hand (in a straw-yellow color) nods to his belief that the watch is, at heart, an instrument.—
Victoria Gomelsky,
Robb Report,
27 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The hoods might just as well evoke the garb of Christian monks debating whether the soul is distinct from the body.—
Dawn Chan,
The New York Review of Books,
25 Apr. 2026
-
Supporting these institutions is essential to preserving the soul of the city.—
Kaila Yu,
Condé Nast Traveler,
24 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Punch drainage holes in the bottom to keep roots healthy, then hang them on a fence or mount them on a board for a compact, vertical herb garden.—
Lauren Jarvis-Gibson,
Kansas City Star,
23 Apr. 2026
-
Besides being more manageable logistically, this style calls back to Healy’s fine-dining roots — think of a chef curating an ever-changing tasting menu — and also just speaks to Healy’s own personal preference.—
Jared Kaufman,
Twin Cities,
23 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
This entry further defines community radio and then discusses its origins and its manifestations throughout the world.—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
23 Apr. 2026
-
In Cavarocchi’s practice, womanhood is seen as a manifestation of nature, with landscapes playing a role in healing trauma and reflecting cyclical rhythms of regeneration.—
PhotoVogue,
Vogue,
21 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Also known as wheat kernels, wheat berries are encased in husks zipped along the tops of stalks and removed in a process known as threshing.—
The New York Times News Service Syndicate,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
15 Apr. 2026
-
The kernels are so juicy and just burst in your mouth.—
Alana Al-Hatlani,
Southern Living,
14 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Essence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/essence. Accessed 30 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
