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
Relevance
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
as in classic
constituting, serving as, or worthy of being a pattern to be imitated
Helen of Troy was supposedly the quintessential beauty of the ancient world
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 quintessence
Chris Richards, Washington Post, 3 Feb. 2023
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
Linda Holmes, NPR, 15 Aug. 2025
Written at the turn of the year from 1967 to 1968 while living with the Fairfield Porter family on Long Island, the poem is quintessential Schuyler, interweaving immediate sensual responses to weather and daily events with witty asides and reflections.
—Literary Hub, 14 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for quintessence
Noun
And her longevity feels like a quest in the direction of excellence, as well as a pursuit of her own quintessence.
—Chris Richards, Washington Post, 3 Feb. 2023
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
Adjective
Damon is excellent and may have the best take on the quintessential Grisham underdog that an actor has come up with so far.
—Linda Holmes, NPR, 15 Aug. 2025
Written at the turn of the year from 1967 to 1968 while living with the Fairfield Porter family on Long Island, the poem is quintessential Schuyler, interweaving immediate sensual responses to weather and daily events with witty asides and reflections.
—Literary Hub, 14 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for quintessence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for quintessence
Noun
-
In many ways, Vance’s rise has been a compelling manifestation of that retreat.—
Jon Allsop,
New Yorker,
15 Aug. 2025
-
Prior to the tumor's manifestation, her only symptom had been a sore arm, which the doctors chalked up to arthritis.—
Simar Bajaj,
NPR,
12 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Overall, the performances from these past two days captured the essence of breaking about as well as possible given the context.—
Jason Pu,
Forbes.com,
17 Aug. 2025
-
Four of the Harry Potter: Houses of Hogwarts x Krispy Kreme Collection pay homage to the four houses — Gryffindor, Slytherin, Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw — and the last of the lineup has an inconspicuous appearance but the essence of the Sorting Hat.—
Sabrina Weiss,
People.com,
14 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
The all-day restaurant offers breakfast, lunch, and weekend brunch buffets, serving classic bistro cuisine, including pâté de champagne, sole grenobloise, and beef bourguignon.—
Natasha Gural,
Forbes.com,
20 Aug. 2025
-
For dessert, end with the classic crème brûlée, subtly flavored with lavender.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
19 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
The accident occurs seconds after the apotheosis of their relationship.—
Jason P. Frank,
Vulture,
28 July 2025
-
At the apotheosis of technical wizardry, Vacheron Constantin debuted the most complicated wristwatch in the world, the Les Cabinotiers Solaria Ultra Grand Complication-La Première.—
Paige Reddinger,
Robb Report,
15 June 2025
Adjective
-
His investment in Rudy’s morality lends the exemplary legal saga a heartening, tender air.—
Ben Travers,
IndieWire,
15 Aug. 2025
-
For a dose of European fine dining, and an exemplary award-winning wine list, look no further than The Station 100.—
Katy Spratte Joyce,
Travel + Leisure,
15 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
On the morning of their first unofficial date, a rare solar eclipse is set to take place, and Hana’s dad dies, starting a chain of events that will see the teenager face not only a flood of unprocessed grief but also great pain at the hands of young boys raised under sexist ideals.—
Rafa Sales Ross,
Variety,
15 Aug. 2025
-
This desk is also equipped with a side hook ideal for keeping your noise-canceling headphones, work bag, or jacket off the ground.—
Yelena Moroz Alpert,
Architectural Digest,
15 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
The conditions are perfect for the fungi to feed on decaying organic matter and produce fruit.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
Southern Living,
13 Aug. 2025
-
Of course, this Saturday would be a perfect time to visit the exhibition as the Spirit of ’45 Living History Day and Swing Dance will be taking place, starting at 2 p.m.—
Sal Pizarro,
Mercury News,
13 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
The Brunswick’s latest incarnation was launched in 2023, according to KIVI Channel 6.—
Michael Deeds,
Idaho Statesman,
22 Aug. 2025
-
Unfortunately, his approach undercuts key partnerships the United States needs to shape the global economy and, in its more extreme incarnations that would alter the dollar’s role, would cause substantial financial damage.—
Wally Adeyemo,
Foreign Affairs,
19 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Quintessence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/quintessence. Accessed 27 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share