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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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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
Air Mail, 10 May 2025
The quintessential Southern home isn’t complete without a front porch adorned with a variety of greenery and blooms, but sometimes even those with the greenest of thumbs have trouble keeping plants alive and thriving.
—Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 9 May 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
How Tina Fey turned a self-help manual for anxious mothers into the quintessential teen movie of the early aughts
By Bruce Handy
Read On
Unclothed Case
Naked and Underpaid From Michelangelo to Picasso, nude models have long been undercompensated muses to the greats.
—Air Mail, 10 May 2025
The quintessential Southern home isn’t complete without a front porch adorned with a variety of greenery and blooms, but sometimes even those with the greenest of thumbs have trouble keeping plants alive and thriving.
—Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 9 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for quintessence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for quintessence
Noun
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The musician’s spotting was part side quest, part manifestation.—
Larisha Paul,
Rolling Stone,
9 May 2025
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Fortunately, the man did not develop this even more serious manifestation of the disease.—
Beth Mole,
ArsTechnica,
9 May 2025
Noun
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La Pinta, the expedition yacht There is simply no better way to get to the heart of Galápagos’ true magic and essence than aboard a ship—and none is better equipped for that task than La Pinta.—
Duncan Madden,
Forbes.com,
13 May 2025
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Each formula is powered by the nourishing properties of guava fruit essence and Kakadu plum extract—two superfruits rich in vitamins A and C, known to support scalp health, restore hydration, and help prevent breakage.—
Essence,
Essence,
13 May 2025
Adjective
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From classic dollar-slice joints to artisan Neapolitan-style pizza and thick-crust American pies, New York City’s Italian restaurant market is impressive, boasting more than 1,800 pizzerias spread across the five boroughs.—
Matthew Kayser,
USA Today,
16 May 2025
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The Odyssey, the Oppenheimer director’s epic take on the classic Greek myth, will shoot entirely on Imax film cameras, a first for a commercial feature.—
Scott Roxborough,
HollywoodReporter,
15 May 2025
Noun
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A bit later, Federer and Nadal and Djokovic took over, and people thought that was the game’s apotheosis.—
Thomas Swick,
Sun Sentinel,
6 May 2025
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As far as men’s clothes are concerned, the apotheosis for me was between the Edwardian era—Victorian had a few too many frills, a bit too heavy—and the 1920s, the jazz age, with its freedom, a bit of laissez faire, a bit of inventiveness.—
Mark Holgate,
Vogue,
15 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Just 39 miles north of New York City and set on 1.7 acres in a sunny clearing at the end of a tree-shaded drive sits an exemplary International Style glass pavilion with views of the Hudson River from every room.—
Tori Latham,
Robb Report,
15 May 2025
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Rob Copland received the Officer of the Year Award from American Legion Post 57 in recognition of his exemplary service with the Elgin Police Department and his years of service in the U.S. Navy Reserve, according to a social media post.—
Mike Danahey,
Chicago Tribune,
13 May 2025
Noun
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Aunt Lydia always believed in the ideals of Gilead, even when Gilead did not live up to those ideals.—
Mary McNamara,
Los Angeles Times,
13 May 2025
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The breathable fabrics wick away moisture and encourage natural body temperature regulation, making this quilt the pick ideal for hot sleepers.—
Maggie Horton,
People.com,
13 May 2025
Adjective
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This option is also perfect if the host is a mom and wants to indulge in some pampering.—
Ronny Maye,
Forbes.com,
9 May 2025
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These antibacterial wipes are perfect for quick cleanups when sanitizer alone doesn’t cut it.—
Rosie Marder,
Travel + Leisure,
9 May 2025
Noun
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Throughout season 1 the Doctor met numerous incarnations of the same woman, all played by Susan Twist.—
Richard Edwards,
Space.com,
17 May 2025
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The relationship between corruption and the modern incarnation of right-wing populism is twofold, in that populists often run against corruption and then behave corruptly.—
Isaac Chotiner,
New Yorker,
16 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Quintessence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/quintessence. Accessed 23 May. 2025.
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