1
as in nature
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 core
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 essence
But for her, Lafufu has returned to the doll’s essence – a toy.
—
Haicen Yang, CNN Money, 5 Sep. 2025
Giorgio Armani has created a unique, unmistakable style that has evolved over time but has never betrayed its essence in the slightest.
—Andrea Onate, Footwear News, 4 Sep. 2025
This is the essence of a politicized jury.
—Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 4 Sep. 2025
His work had his essence all over it.
—Lexi Carson, HollywoodReporter, 4 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for essence
Haicen Yang, CNN Money, 5 Sep. 2025
Giorgio Armani has created a unique, unmistakable style that has evolved over time but has never betrayed its essence in the slightest.
—Andrea Onate, Footwear News, 4 Sep. 2025
This is the essence of a politicized jury.
—Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 4 Sep. 2025
His work had his essence all over it.
—Lexi Carson, HollywoodReporter, 4 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for essence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for essence
Noun
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At the same time, the very nature of entrepreneurship grants a level of freedom that corporate jobs often don’t.—
Samantha Dewalt,
Fortune,
12 Sep. 2025
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But international societies for speleology recovered, as the interdisciplinary nature of the research gained relevance later in the century.—
Danny Robb,
JSTOR Daily,
12 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Kirk mused about writing a book on the core tenets of MAGA.—
Eric Cortellessa,
Time,
11 Sep. 2025
-
Here’s how the S&P 500 might react, based on the core monthly inflation, according to JPMorgan.—
Yeo Boon Ping,
CNBC,
10 Sep. 2025
Noun
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The decor channels the style and substance of the Victorian era, but all of the amenities have been brought into the 21st century, complimentary breakfast included.—
Cu Fleshman,
Travel + Leisure,
7 Sep. 2025
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Beyond a point, Latif’s many attempts to create mood and atmosphere through movement end up with little subtext to draw from, and play like flourishes with no substance.—
Siddhant Adlakha,
Variety,
6 Sep. 2025
Noun
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As the sun was setting, hundreds of North Texans — many clad in black — gathered with candles and posters in their hands and solidarity in their hearts.—
Shambhavi Rimal,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
10 Sep. 2025
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But roughly 20-30% of people who are infected develop severe symptoms, including a range of heart issues—such as heart failure, irregular heartbeat, or even death—and digestive issues—such as an enlarged esophagus or colon, which could cause problems with eating or going to the bathroom.—
Chantelle Lee,
Time,
10 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Jackson carved them up in the passing game, then sapped their souls with his scrambles.—
Zak Keefer,
New York Times,
8 Sep. 2025
-
That much is clear from the moment Freyne and Pat Cunnane’s high-concept script (a real Black List special) first drops us into the Hyatt-like Junction where souls process what’s happened and have seven days to pick their final destinations from a variety of convention floor displays.—
David Ehrlich,
IndieWire,
8 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
For example, most types of turfgrass have short roots, and soil samples from lawns only need to be dug to a depth of 4 inches.—
Lauren Landers,
Better Homes & Gardens,
7 Sep. 2025
-
The roots of my family tree are firmly established in the soil of Great Britain.—
Elizabeth Bass Parman,
PEOPLE,
7 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Allied together, the two vessels fight the physical manifestation of the Radiance.—
Dani Di Placido,
Forbes.com,
9 Sep. 2025
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On the automotive front, that character arc can be represented by the transition from the baronial elegance of the Bentley S2 Continental to the manifestation of rebellion found in the muscle cars from Motor City.—
Viju Mathew,
Robb Report,
8 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Or maybe comedy works best when there’s a kernel of truth to it.—
Pete Sampson,
New York Times,
10 Sep. 2025
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Get the recipe > Saveur’s editor at large Shane Mitchell shared these Southern-style pancakes, which get their subtle chew from fresh corn kernels.—
SAVEUR Editors,
Saveur,
4 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Essence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/essence. Accessed 14 Sep. 2025.
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