essence

noun

ˈe-sᵊn(t)s How to pronounce essence (audio)
Definition of essencenext
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

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 essence Sooner or later, there will come the moment when my understanding parts ways with his essence. — Yiyun Li, The New Yorker, 23 Mar. 2025 From enchanting floral arches to elegant bouquets and charming table runners, this wedding décor can infuse your special day with the essence of spring. — Christopher Murray, Fox News, 21 Mar. 2025 In essence, few or no vehicles are entirely made in America. — Daniel De Visé, USA TODAY, 21 Mar. 2025 In essence, technology is democratizing coaching and embedding it into organizations and individuals that used to receive very little of it, if at all. — Alexander Puutio, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for essence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for essence
  1. nature
  2. core
  3. substance
  4. heart
  5. soul
  6. root
  7. manifestation
  8. kernel
Noun
  • In an effort to influence public opinion, ByteDance has flooded the country with TikTok ad campaigns, which only heighten suspicions about the true nature of TikTok’s current operations.
    — John Moolenaar, National Review, 18 Mar. 2025
  • Elite institutions, of course, are incentivized to promote and embed these views, which leads to a pervasive misattribution about the nature of executive success.
    — Dave Winsborough, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025
Definition of nature
Noun
  • Remember: at its core, innovation is about seeing a problem and solving it with a better process, product, or way of doing business.
    — Mark Nevins, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025
  • Of course, as any grandmother will tell you, those things are important, too, but the core of hospitality is creating a sense of comfort where visitors (and family) feel truly at ease.
    — Nicole Letts, Southern Living, 23 Mar. 2025
Definition of core
Noun
  • For example, the drug court model positions the criminal justice system to connect individuals with substance use disorder to life-saving treatment and social services.
    — Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 21 Mar. 2025
  • During a search of his vehicle, officers allegedly located an off-white powder substance which tested positive for opiates along with two other substances which tested positive for cocaine, police said.
    — Staff report, Hartford Courant, 21 Mar. 2025
Definition of substance
Noun
  • Increasing your water intake can benefit overall health, including the health of your kidneys, brain, and heart.
    — Jillian Kubala, Health, 18 Mar. 2025
  • And for me, to be on the cover of Vogue Philippines, for my first Vogue cover, is so special and will forever just hold the most special place in my heart.
    — Kleigh Balugo, StyleCaster, 18 Mar. 2025
Definition of heart
Noun
  • Mainly because soul tie enthusiasts don’t do a good job delineating the difference between godly and ungodly connections.
    — Dominique Fluker, Essence, 27 Mar. 2025
  • Tala, known for her seamless blend of R&B, bossa nova, and soul, has delivered an album that transcends genre constraints.
    — Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Mar. 2025
Definition of soul
Noun
  • What’s more, a blend of botanical ingredients including licorice root and coffee leaf extract firms and brightens the skin around the eyes.
    — Jenny Berg, Vogue, 22 Mar. 2025
  • This market can trace its roots to 1921 and has been in its current 49-acre location since 1956.
    — Skye Sherman, Southern Living, 22 Mar. 2025
Definition of root
Noun
  • Multi-day vacations remained out of reach for most working people, and many of them resented the upper classes’ summering as a manifestation of inequality.
    — Livia Gershon, JSTOR Daily, 23 Mar. 2025
  • Next, write down your intention or manifestation on a small piece of paper and carefully fold it.
    — Valerie Mesa, People.com, 22 Mar. 2025
Definition of manifestation
Noun
  • The Linux kernel vulnerability prompted America’s cyber defense agency to mandate all federal employees to update their phones by March 25 or stop using them.
    — Zak Doffman, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025
  • Linux Kernel Update Goes Live The code has been implemented as part of the Linux kernel release version 6.13 in January.
    — IEEE Spectrum, IEEE Spectrum, 17 Mar. 2025
Definition of kernel

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Cite this Entry

“Essence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/essence. Accessed 30 Mar. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on essence

Nglish: Translation of essence for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about essence

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