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
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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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of essence
In essence, a way of pressuring the companies to act.
—
Lorena O’Neil, Rolling Stone, 26 Mar. 2026
The American framework is, in essence, a demand for Iran’s surrender.
—Thomas Wright, The Atlantic, 26 Mar. 2026
Few designers capture the essence of womanhood quite like Pierpaolo Piccioli—his eight-year tenure at Valentino proved that time and again.
—Laura Jackson, Vogue, 25 Mar. 2026
Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Probiotics Barrier Essence Black rice probiotics and barrier-loving ceramides and lipids make up this essence, which prevents irritation, locks in moisture, and boosts skin’s elasticity.
—Lily Wohlner, Allure, 25 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for essence
Lorena O’Neil, Rolling Stone, 26 Mar. 2026
The American framework is, in essence, a demand for Iran’s surrender.
—Thomas Wright, The Atlantic, 26 Mar. 2026
Few designers capture the essence of womanhood quite like Pierpaolo Piccioli—his eight-year tenure at Valentino proved that time and again.
—Laura Jackson, Vogue, 25 Mar. 2026
Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Probiotics Barrier Essence Black rice probiotics and barrier-loving ceramides and lipids make up this essence, which prevents irritation, locks in moisture, and boosts skin’s elasticity.
—Lily Wohlner, Allure, 25 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for essence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for essence
Noun
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Ask for a tour of the grounds and a nature walk to see the astounding green spaces, tropical trees, and untouched forest.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 Apr. 2026
-
Investigators are now examining the wreckage to determine the exact nature of the malfunction.—
Sujita Sinha,
Interesting Engineering,
1 Apr. 2026
Noun
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At their core, these cases are centered on allegations of corporate negligence and how tech products are built, by humans, to function.—
Maggie Harrison Dupré,
Futurism,
26 Mar. 2026
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William Blair downgraded the stock to a hold from buy, citing intense AI competition in its core creative cloud business.—
Jim Cramer,
CNBC,
26 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Lappen oversaw the county's Behavioral Health Services division, which works with people with mental illnesses and substance abuse disorders.—
Eva Wen,
jsonline.com,
1 Apr. 2026
-
The half-industrial, half-heavenly record was recorded on the brink of a real-life meltdown; the substances Lean had rapped about so brazenly during his adolescent mixtape era would nearly claim his life.—
Billie Bugara,
Pitchfork,
1 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Choose a task and finish it with heart!—
Tarot.com,
New York Daily News,
31 Mar. 2026
-
The post also included a red heart.—
Anna Commander,
MSNBC Newsweek,
31 Mar. 2026
Noun
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One Baha’i tenet, that the soul begins with the formation of the embryo, led to controversy.—
Hillel Italie,
Chicago Tribune,
27 Mar. 2026
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After spending the better part of five years releasing songs that mined the darkest corners of his soul and his Alabama roots, A Heavy Duty Heart brings a heavy dose of hope to Farley’s collection.—
Josh Crutchmer,
Rolling Stone,
27 Mar. 2026
Noun
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But the film also sees the roots of toxic nativism elsewhere, especially in the wars being waged in Ukraine and Gaza, both of which become passing points of conversation.—
Justin Chang,
New Yorker,
27 Mar. 2026
-
Gatewood had been tasked with overseeing the Johnson administration's efforts to address the root causes of crime and violence in Chicago and coming up with a plan for public safety.—
Lauren Victory,
CBS News,
26 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Moreover, the Cuban newcomer — a former Billboard On the Radar Latin artist — is as fierce and unapologetic as ever, delivering sharp verses that are both for the haters, and serve also a strong manifestation on abundance and prosperity.—
Tere Aguilera,
Billboard,
27 Mar. 2026
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Its early manifestations frequently surface in other clinics.—
Sarah Berg,
STAT,
26 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The Bottom Line on Sleepmaxxing As with many social media health trends, there’s a kernel of a good idea here.—
Helen Carefoot,
Flow Space,
11 Mar. 2026
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In addition to the bacon and sausage, this queso is packed with filling black beans, corn kernels, scallions, cheese, jalapeños, and our favorite, Rotel tomatoes.—
Josh Miller,
Southern Living,
8 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Essence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/essence. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.
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