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
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
Lyndsay C. Green, Freep.com, 31 Oct. 2025
The surrounding peaks set a majestic tone, and the quintessential village of Metsovo (with its aforementioned ski slopes) is just a short drive from the property.
—Chadner Navarro, Vogue, 30 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for quintessence
Noun
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
Adjective
For nine years, guests filed into the quintessential diner, ordering the egg sandwich specials scrawled on a chalkboard and griddled pancakes browned by the flat top, which followed a recipe from Mitchell's grandfather.
—Lyndsay C. Green, Freep.com, 31 Oct. 2025
The surrounding peaks set a majestic tone, and the quintessential village of Metsovo (with its aforementioned ski slopes) is just a short drive from the property.
—Chadner Navarro, Vogue, 30 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for quintessence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for quintessence
Noun
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Despite the backaches, headaches, high blood pressure, shortness of breath, sweating and various other physical manifestations from Clarke’s manifestation of the Murdaugh family patriarch, Jason was never going to actually catch up to Alex on the scale.—
Tony Maglio,
HollywoodReporter,
11 Nov. 2025
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Much of the fan speculation and manifestation surrounding KATSEYE’s Grammy chances centered on the Best New Artist category.—
Jason P. Frank,
Vulture,
7 Nov. 2025
Noun
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In this poetry collection, Vilariño strips poetry to its essence—distilling love, loss, and the inexorable passage of time into spare yet searing verses.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
10 Nov. 2025
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Stripped to their symbolic essence, the erotics of Frankenstein are about the body as meat, electrified by carnal pleasure and unencumbered by the soul.—
Katie Rife,
Vulture,
9 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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That shot-on-film aspect lends to the film feeling like a throwback to classic coming-of-age movies, but with a chilling twist.—
Ryan Lattanzio,
IndieWire,
10 Nov. 2025
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But of course, for space nerds like us, lots of old, classic factions and debates pop out of this new framework.—
Lee Billings,
Scientific American,
10 Nov. 2025
Noun
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As with many of A24's horror movies, we're left to ponder whether anything supernatural happens as Maud's quest reaches its apotheosis, proving that fanatical belief is enough to inspire great terrors.—
Dennis Perkins,
Entertainment Weekly,
31 Oct. 2025
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But even with no products, no makeup, an no extra zhuzh, Ross and Union are the apotheosis of melanin magic.—
Essence,
Essence,
29 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Both were exemplary but had to be substituted due to injury.—
The Athletic UK Staff,
New York Times,
25 Oct. 2025
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Now, he’s being remembered as an exemplary leader.—
Sam Gillette,
PEOPLE,
21 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
New Delhi has treated democratic ideals and human rights as expendable whenever its own strategic interests are at stake.—
MUHIB RAHMAN,
Foreign Affairs,
12 Nov. 2025
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This instinctively feels more of an Antipodean approach what with the English generally noted for their caution and the defensive negativity of Geoffrey Boycott sometimes viewed as the platonic ideal of an England Test batter.—
Darren Richman,
New York Times,
11 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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Includes gardening tips to grow perfect perennials and chiles for every palate, plus articles on delicious Ukrainian food dishes and Christmas family traditions, banana recipe contest winners and practical life advice.—
Alex Perry,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
7 Nov. 2025
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To this day, it's celebrated as one of the most iconic musical pairings ever captured on television — a shimmering handoff between generations and a snapshot of two powerhouse voices meeting in perfect harmony.—
Dave Quinn,
PEOPLE,
7 Nov. 2025
Noun
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The kids of 1962 Derry, Maine, have already been tormented by plenty of gruesome incarnations of IT, the supernatural monster that haunts their town.—
Katie Campione,
Deadline,
9 Nov. 2025
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It was formerly known, in a previous incarnation, as the Alice Camera.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
7 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Quintessence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/quintessence. Accessed 6 Dec. 2025.
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