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
That is the essence of heroism.
—
Alice Gainer, CBS News, 22 May 2026
Yet Sander’s pictures rarely evince any suggestion of genetic essence or ideal.
—Max Norman, New Yorker, 21 May 2026
Between the Civil List and the ability in essence to buy parliamentary seats in rotten boroughs, the King in the 1770s could command loyalty from about 200 of the 558 members of Parliament—enough to ensure that the legislature was dependent on him.
—Danielle Allen, The Atlantic, 21 May 2026
His insight would prove to be the very essence of endocrinology.
—Literary Hub, 20 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for essence
Alice Gainer, CBS News, 22 May 2026
Yet Sander’s pictures rarely evince any suggestion of genetic essence or ideal.
—Max Norman, New Yorker, 21 May 2026
Between the Civil List and the ability in essence to buy parliamentary seats in rotten boroughs, the King in the 1770s could command loyalty from about 200 of the 558 members of Parliament—enough to ensure that the legislature was dependent on him.
—Danielle Allen, The Atlantic, 21 May 2026
His insight would prove to be the very essence of endocrinology.
—Literary Hub, 20 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for essence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for essence
Noun
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Last fall, former Chief Floyd Mitchell openly criticized the stringent nature of federal court oversight while resigning from the department after just a year and a half on the job, leaving the agency searching for a new leader for at least the 10th time since 2015.—
Jakob Rodgers,
Mercury News,
28 May 2026
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Asked about her son’s uncanny focus and attention to detail, his mom mentioned Malachi’s artistic nature.—
Bruce Feldman,
New York Times,
28 May 2026
Noun
-
And his age fits perfectly with the Sabres’ core.—
Matthew Fairburn,
New York Times,
28 May 2026
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At its core, KYA focuses on making sure there’s a verified bond between an AI agent and a real human user.—
Andrew Sever,
Forbes.com,
28 May 2026
Noun
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How Nootropics Differ from Adaptogens Nootropics are substances used to support cognition and brain health — memory, learning, focus, mood and mental energy.—
Lauren Schuster,
Kansas City Star,
27 May 2026
-
Most deaths are caused by substance use disorders and depressive disorders.—
Yenupini Joyce Adams,
The Conversation,
27 May 2026
Noun
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My heart breaks for the families of these young people.—
Madison E. Goldberg,
PEOPLE,
26 May 2026
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Cranberries are known to fight bacteria and protect against urinary tract infections (UTIs), while blueberries are rich in antioxidants and support overall brain and heart health.—
Julie Marks,
Verywell Health,
25 May 2026
Noun
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But Whitfield has also branched out into country, jazz and deep soul.—
Brett Milano,
Boston Herald,
29 May 2026
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And the Mass, in its very Catholic nature, is really focused on … repose for the departed, to bring their souls from purgatory to heaven in the afterlife.—
Rod Stafford Hagwood,
Sun Sentinel,
29 May 2026
Noun
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Maintain an even supply of moisture to reduce stress on the plant, and water at the roots with a drip hose instead of overhead watering to avoid spreading disease.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
29 May 2026
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According to legend, the pithiviers has its roots in the first century, when Gauls combined local flour with almonds brought by Roman traders.—
Jen Rose Smith,
CNN Money,
28 May 2026
Noun
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Another glaring manifestation of the Kremlin’s increasing paranoia occurred during the May 9, 2026, Victory Day parade in Moscow.—
Jeffrey Sonnenfeld,
Time,
23 May 2026
-
But the manifestation of stress will differ.—
Corinne Schuman,
Parents,
22 May 2026
Noun
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The kernels can become sticky during rainy or humid periods and plug up feeder ports.—
Rita Pelczar,
Better Homes & Gardens,
25 May 2026
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In our version, corn is charred, then the kernels are cut off and combined with jicama, chiles, cilantro, oil, cheese, and lime juice.—
Victoria Spencer,
Martha Stewart,
22 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Essence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/essence. Accessed 30 May. 2026.
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