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
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
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
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
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
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Those researchers looked at the levels of the substances in the sharks' liver and muscles.—
Kerry Breen,
CBS News,
26 Mar. 2026
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Every chemical-free choice means fewer synthetic substances washing into local storm drains, waterways, and soil during the next rainstorm.—
Lauren Jarvis-Gibson,
Kansas City Star,
26 Mar. 2026
Noun
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But the film also sees the roots of toxic nativism elsewhere, especially in the wars being waged in Ukraine and Gaza, both of which become passing points of conversation.—
Justin Chang,
New Yorker,
27 Mar. 2026
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When the Tidal Basin floods, saltwater can saturate the soil and seep into the cherry trees' roots, which depend on dry land and fresh water to thrive.—
Dan Peck,
ABC News,
26 Mar. 2026
Noun
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But Lau wonders whether Horses will be able to avoid conflict, due to their inherent independent natures.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
10 Feb. 2026
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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
Noun
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Previously, an English bull terrier Border collie mix was melting hearts on social media.—
Jack Beresford,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 Mar. 2026
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For all the success Duke has had through the years, the Blue Devils have now had hearts broken by UConn three straight times in the Big Dance.—
Noah Trister,
Baltimore Sun,
29 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Adapted from a Japanese novel, the unusual story revolves around a spirit responsible for guiding transient souls to their next reincarnation, who embarks on a perilous mission with a young girl to prevent her being overwhelmed by her anger and transforming into a monster.—
Liz Shackleton,
Deadline,
21 Mar. 2026
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In Ready or Not 2, which picks up right where the last one left off, Grace discovers that the Le Domases are one of six families who sold their souls to the devil for wealth and power.—
Louis Peitzman,
Vulture,
20 Mar. 2026
Noun
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In the first teeny fraction of a second after that expansion started, the densities were far higher than in the cores of stars, higher than in neutron stars—actually, very close to what’s needed to create a black hole!—
Phil Plait,
Scientific American,
27 Mar. 2026
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The company uses primarily Colorado trees to make the wooden cores of its gear in an effort to make the production process more sustainable while also making a product that is long-lasting.—
Tiney Ricciardi,
Denver Post,
27 Mar. 2026
Noun
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In addition to the bacon and sausage, this queso is packed with filling black beans, corn kernels, scallions, cheese, jalapeños, and our favorite, Rotel tomatoes.—
Josh Miller,
Southern Living,
8 Mar. 2026
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Additionally, pollination may occur during extreme summer heat, reducing kernels on your cobs.—
Michelle Mastro,
Martha Stewart,
5 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Towns finished with 20 points, 11 rebounds, 11 assists and seven turnovers on 8-of-12 shooting from the field in 29 minutes of action on Wednesday.—
Kristian Winfield,
New York Daily News,
2 Apr. 2026
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The key now is to foster stronger intracontinental dialogue—turning these events from mere entry points into active hubs of exchange among artists, institutions, and audiences.—
Smooth Nzewi,
Artforum,
2 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Essences.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/essences. Accessed 3 Apr. 2026.
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