1
as in substances
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 roots
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 essences
Like almost all modern iterations of music, the genre of Catalan rumba has evolved alongside streaming-era influences and the younger generations of musicians who have taken up its sonic essences and distilled them through their own lenses.
—
Chris Barilla, PEOPLE, 8 May 2026
Many imitation almond extracts or essences rely on synthetic benzaldehyde for flavor, which can create saccharine notes that overpower delicate desserts like custards, sponges, or pastry creams.
—Emily Saladino, Bon Appetit Magazine, 9 Apr. 2026
Store shelves are packed with serums, toners, essences and exfoliants — all promising transformative results.
—Kansas City Star, 7 Apr. 2026
The in-store assortment includes hair essences and hydrating mists from Narka; PDRN and exosome scalp serums from Lilyeve, plus other offerings from La’dor, Healing Bird, Refilled and Growus, which are all priced under $40 and focus on innovative formats and ingredients.
—Noor Lobad, Footwear News, 25 Mar. 2026
For those whose skin leans on the drier side, year-round, hydration flooding with essences, toners, and ampoules maximizes hydration without adding unwanted heaviness.
—Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 19 Mar. 2026
Korean scalp treatments often come in lightweight, fast-absorbing liquids, essences, or refreshing tonics designed to be massaged directly into the scalp without leaving hair greasy or weighed down.
—Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 24 Feb. 2026
The spa uses oils and essences from the hotel's medicinal garden, while the treatment rooms are set within the former convent's nuns' cells.
—Jenn Rice, Travel + Leisure, 8 Feb. 2026
Costco and Walmart have also expanded their assortments, adding essences, serums and sheet masks as demand accelerates.
—Luke Fountain, CNBC, 27 Nov. 2025
Chris Barilla, PEOPLE, 8 May 2026
Many imitation almond extracts or essences rely on synthetic benzaldehyde for flavor, which can create saccharine notes that overpower delicate desserts like custards, sponges, or pastry creams.
—Emily Saladino, Bon Appetit Magazine, 9 Apr. 2026
Store shelves are packed with serums, toners, essences and exfoliants — all promising transformative results.
—Kansas City Star, 7 Apr. 2026
The in-store assortment includes hair essences and hydrating mists from Narka; PDRN and exosome scalp serums from Lilyeve, plus other offerings from La’dor, Healing Bird, Refilled and Growus, which are all priced under $40 and focus on innovative formats and ingredients.
—Noor Lobad, Footwear News, 25 Mar. 2026
For those whose skin leans on the drier side, year-round, hydration flooding with essences, toners, and ampoules maximizes hydration without adding unwanted heaviness.
—Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 19 Mar. 2026
Korean scalp treatments often come in lightweight, fast-absorbing liquids, essences, or refreshing tonics designed to be massaged directly into the scalp without leaving hair greasy or weighed down.
—Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 24 Feb. 2026
The spa uses oils and essences from the hotel's medicinal garden, while the treatment rooms are set within the former convent's nuns' cells.
—Jenn Rice, Travel + Leisure, 8 Feb. 2026
Costco and Walmart have also expanded their assortments, adding essences, serums and sheet masks as demand accelerates.
—Luke Fountain, CNBC, 27 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for essences
Noun
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Tripti Bhattacharya, a paleoclimatologist at Syracuse University, also takes advantage of waxy substances—though much less smelly ones.—
Hannah Richter,
Scientific American,
7 May 2026
-
Youth exposure to Kratom and retail available substances.—
Adam Beam,
AJC.com,
7 May 2026
Noun
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Instead of focusing on competition, Tucci’s culinary endeavors have centered on reconnecting with his Italian roots.—
Alejandra Gularte,
Vulture,
7 May 2026
-
Whole herbs and roots use the plant in its most natural state, while powders are ground down into an easy-to-mix format.—
Ryan Brennan,
Charlotte Observer,
7 May 2026
Noun
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These observations suggest that small, mysterious moons with surprisingly different natures are the source of the particles that make up the two outermost rings, and that there are probably even more undiscovered moons to add to the 29 already known around Uranus.—
Keith Cooper,
Space.com,
22 Apr. 2026
-
Last month, a Los Angeles jury found social media giants Meta and Google failed to warn children about the addictive natures of their platforms.—
Drew Aunkst,
CBS News,
21 Apr. 2026
Noun
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With its sarong, curve-enhancing silhouette, and scooped neckline, the little red dress is enough to stop hearts, take breath away, and provide CPR all at once.—
Elizabeth Logan,
Glamour,
11 May 2026
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This one, from the chef Perfecte Rocher (now cooking in San Diego), makes the most of spring delights, including fava beans and artichoke hearts.—
Carolynn Carreño,
Los Angeles Times,
10 May 2026
Noun
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The history wonks upstairs tell us that ancient Egyptians considered butterflies to be symbols of eternity, souls and divine transformation.—
Sean Keeler,
Denver Post,
9 May 2026
-
For audiences, the echo chamber that develops in the villas can seem debilitating to a possible reconciliation, but Walberg says that there are invariably a few authentic souls whose support is sincere rather than a tactic to get them into mischief.—
Todd Gilchrist,
IndieWire,
7 May 2026
Noun
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The mystery becomes even harder to explain because planetary cores are generally thought to form quickly.—
Rupendra Brahambhatt,
Interesting Engineering,
10 May 2026
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The federal plan would increase production of plutonium pits, the cores of nuclear weapons, a project that would cost $5 billion a year for the next six years.—
Caroline Zimmerman,
Kansas City Star,
8 May 2026
Noun
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Bacon, sunflower kernels, and raisins make a crunchy and flavorful side dish.—
Ginger Crichton,
Midwest Living,
5 May 2026
-
To ensure the highest quality, the kernels are non-GMO, and the seasonings are made in small batches.—
BestReviews,
Chicago Tribune,
4 May 2026
Noun
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All of this has increased the candidate’s profile significantly; a recent poll commissioned by Bores had him within a few points of Schlossberg.—
Gideon Lewis-Kraus,
New Yorker,
7 May 2026
-
Northside Christian was runner-up with 53 points while Pahokee was eighth with 26 points.—
Gary Curreri,
Sun Sentinel,
7 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Essences.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/essences. Accessed 13 May. 2026.
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