1
as in manifestation
the most perfect type or example
the Parthenon in Greece was considered the quintessence of the perfectly proportioned building
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in essence
the quality or qualities that make a thing what it is
a selfless desire to help others is the quintessence of the virtue of charity
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of quintessence
That’s partly because punk, with its assaultive immediacy and defiant not-niceness, now seems like the quintessence of the pre-digital world.
—
Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 24 July 2022
To some, quintessence was a subtle substance found in some degree in each of the other four elements.
—Meg Neal, Popular Mechanics, 10 Feb. 2021
To test whether dark energy is caused by quintessence or the cosmological constant, scientists must determine whether the strength of dark energy has changed over time.
—Clara Moskowitz, Scientific American, 1 Feb. 2021
But Frieman hopes new data may reveal something more exotic, such as a mysterious substance called quintessence, which some scientists have proposed could explain the accelerating expansion of the universe.
—Ramin Skibba, Discover Magazine, 24 Jan. 2020
See All Example Sentences for quintessence
Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 24 July 2022
To some, quintessence was a subtle substance found in some degree in each of the other four elements.
—Meg Neal, Popular Mechanics, 10 Feb. 2021
To test whether dark energy is caused by quintessence or the cosmological constant, scientists must determine whether the strength of dark energy has changed over time.
—Clara Moskowitz, Scientific American, 1 Feb. 2021
But Frieman hopes new data may reveal something more exotic, such as a mysterious substance called quintessence, which some scientists have proposed could explain the accelerating expansion of the universe.
—Ramin Skibba, Discover Magazine, 24 Jan. 2020
See All Example Sentences for quintessence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for quintessence
Noun
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So, part of what is lost is the physical manifestation of these longer histories and heritages.—
Lisa Deaderick,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
21 Feb. 2026
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This downtown store with genderless clothing, jewelry, ceramics, bags, and hats is the manifestation of René Holguin, a Ralph Lauren alum.—
Jason Sheeler,
Condé Nast Traveler,
20 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Read full review To experience Rosewood’s flagship hotel is to see it as the essence of a resurgent Hong Kong.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
22 Feb. 2026
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And timing is of the essence as Lunar missions tend to have narrow windows.—
Christopher McFadden,
Interesting Engineering,
22 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Yeah, just stick to the classics.—
Emily Elias,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
18 Feb. 2026
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Hamburger bun croutons are the perfect finishing touch for this hearty take on a cookout classic.—
Jenna Sims,
Southern Living,
18 Feb. 2026
Noun
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For this Welsh immigrant family rose from nothing to produce an American icon who mastered a distinctly American art form — the ultimate apotheosis of the American Dream — and who is, ironically, the most miserable of them all.—
Ben Croll,
IndieWire,
13 Feb. 2026
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But the apotheosis of the ceremony arrived early, and had little to do with individual personalities.—
Alison Herman,
Variety,
6 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Though ideal for couples and business travelers, the larger suites work well for families thanks to kitchenettes and living rooms.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
22 Feb. 2026
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Money has tainted so much of sports these days, but the ideal of the Olympics, and playing for your country, still has not lost its power to convince fans that sports can be pure.—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
22 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Lawrence, who serves as executive producer on the new incarnation, can also see a parallel between his path and that of his fictional creations.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
20 Feb. 2026
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Houses such as Boucheron and Chaumet gave new incarnations to elements mined from their deep archives, whether a signature motif or even a historic address.—
Lily Templeton,
Footwear News,
20 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Microsoft’s $50 billion investment will, among other things, help to build the data centers crucial to providing the computing power needed to run AI models.—
Hanna Ziady,
CNN Money,
18 Feb. 2026
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Local designers will present an expert presentation on the slow fashion movement that addresses the urgent need to move towards more sustainable models in the fashion and retail industries.—
Ut Community Press,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
18 Feb. 2026
Noun
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This fresh and flavorful bolognese sauce comes together in under an hour and is homemade perfection.—
Nellah Bailey McGough,
Southern Living,
16 Feb. 2026
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And remember, moderation over perfection.—
Rachel Hosie,
SELF,
16 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Quintessence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/quintessence. Accessed 23 Feb. 2026.
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