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
Relevance
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
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 essences
Skin care leads the conversation, alongside a growing focus on niche fragrances, refined essences and wellness treatments.
—
Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 22 Dec. 2025
And this year’s lineup is loaded with glow-boosting icons—from milky toners and hydrating essences to overnight masks that make your skin feel like a cloud.
—Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 2 Dec. 2025
Costco and Walmart have also expanded their assortments, adding essences, serums and sheet masks as demand accelerates.
—Luke Fountain, CNBC, 27 Nov. 2025
From nourishing face creams to hydrating essences, that ethos transcends its robust lineup of salves and elixirs that contribute to overall skin health.
—Kiana Murden, Vogue, 17 Nov. 2025
The songs pack a wide range of elements into a single track, starting with rock, pop, soul, funk, dub, club music, and rap, plus various other essences, from singer-songwriter-like qualities to music originating from Japan’s internet like Vocaloid.
—Billboard Japan, Billboard, 25 Sep. 2025
Meanwhile, the Enchanted glittered with edible pink shimmer dust, and bursting with fruity, botanical flavors – Grey Goose with watermelon basil essences, vermouth and basil.
—John Metcalfe, Mercury News, 12 Sep. 2025
Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 22 Dec. 2025
And this year’s lineup is loaded with glow-boosting icons—from milky toners and hydrating essences to overnight masks that make your skin feel like a cloud.
—Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 2 Dec. 2025
Costco and Walmart have also expanded their assortments, adding essences, serums and sheet masks as demand accelerates.
—Luke Fountain, CNBC, 27 Nov. 2025
From nourishing face creams to hydrating essences, that ethos transcends its robust lineup of salves and elixirs that contribute to overall skin health.
—Kiana Murden, Vogue, 17 Nov. 2025
The songs pack a wide range of elements into a single track, starting with rock, pop, soul, funk, dub, club music, and rap, plus various other essences, from singer-songwriter-like qualities to music originating from Japan’s internet like Vocaloid.
—Billboard Japan, Billboard, 25 Sep. 2025
Meanwhile, the Enchanted glittered with edible pink shimmer dust, and bursting with fruity, botanical flavors – Grey Goose with watermelon basil essences, vermouth and basil.
—John Metcalfe, Mercury News, 12 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for essences
Noun
-
At the city of Detroit's request, EPA assisted in investigating and removing the hazardous substances.—
Keith Matheny,
Freep.com,
29 Jan. 2026
-
Investigators are still processing the scene and investigating the materials that were found inside, including whether they may have been mixed with other substances, but Modica said investigators believe the energetic powder sparked the explosion.—
Summer Lin,
Los Angeles Times,
29 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Freed from some of the commercial pressures, creators are going back to their roots and getting weird, and perhaps building the foundation of the future of immersive content.—
Cortney Harding,
Forbes.com,
29 Jan. 2026
-
John Rambo takes audiences back, years before the events of First Blood, diving deep into the roots and experiences that forged one of the big screen’s most enduring and complex characters.—
Dessi Gomez,
Deadline,
29 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Hval’s restless melodies and at-times Proustian lyrics trail cigarette smoke or the fragrance of roses toward litanies of memory, all the while deconstructing the very natures of stage performance, recording technology, and digital existence.—
Jenn Pelly,
Time,
4 Dec. 2025
-
The world features beautifully ethereal landscapes as well as industrial facilities that feel functional and fully realized despite their alien natures.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
2 Dec. 2025
Noun
-
But Canadian superstar Connor McDavid, a three-time NHL MVP, broke America’s hearts in overtime, scoring a championship-clinching goal.—
Sean Gregory,
Time,
26 Jan. 2026
-
Our hearts were and are still broken.—
Hope Hunt,
Baltimore Sun,
26 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Finally, the news came that at least 56 souls had been killed in the strikes.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
8 Jan. 2026
-
Trump has always been a mirror for other people’s souls, an X-ray revealing America’s dysfunction.—
Susan B. Glasser,
New Yorker,
30 Dec. 2025
Noun
-
Additionally, their cores can (usually) be removed, allowing sealant to be injected through them into tubeless tires.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
11 Jan. 2026
-
Since then, the plant has produced large volumes of water contaminated with radioactive substances used to cool the reactor cores.—
Jijo Malayil,
Interesting Engineering,
23 Dec. 2025
Noun
-
Samantha Spidell attests there were some kernels of truth in his stories.—
Natalie Morales,
CBS News,
27 Jan. 2026
-
An on-board grain feeder delivers the corn kernels into a delivery truck which drives it to a packaging center.—
Sabbir Rangwala,
Forbes.com,
26 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Arsenal’s lead at the top of the table has been whittled down to just four points.—
Graham Ruthven,
Forbes.com,
29 Jan. 2026
-
In 30 games, Antetokounmpo is averaging 28 points and 10 rebounds.—
Chantz Martin,
FOXNews.com,
29 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Essences.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/essences. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
