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 To capture some of that essence, Guitar Center is trying to make its stores a place to hang out for novices and pros alike. — Phil Wahba, Fortune, 10 Oct. 2026 There are more signs of something nefarious in the book, as the demon is more avian in appearance, has less steady facial features, carries a putrid smell and an essence that causes some people to cough. — William Earl, Variety, 9 Oct. 2026 For the skincare enthusiast who knows her serums from her essences, an exfoliating cleanser from DIME Beauty can be a thoughtful addition to her routine. — Ethan Stone october 9, Idaho Statesman, 9 Oct. 2026 Following the Korean beauty trend, Costioli would layer on product after product — toners, serums, essences and moisturizers — in pursuit of an ultra-dewy complexion. — Taylor Nicioli, CNN Money, 8 Oct. 2026 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 North Georgia’s mountains, autumn already is transforming ridges, forests and streambanks into dazzling palettes of reds, yellows, maroons and deep oranges — all part of nature’s annual leaf color spectacle.
    — Charles Seabrook, AJC.com, 17 Oct. 2026
  • As nature trades its summer greens for a rich tapestry of amber, rust, burgundy, and gold, our wardrobes are following suit—and with all manner of vibrant, textured, statement-making accessories piled on top.
    — Ciarra Lorren Zatorski, Vogue, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of nature
Noun
  • The first step is to establish an identity of how to give that represents your core values.
    — Melissa Stevens, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2026
  • If the Petten trials succeed, Thorizon’s swappable core could offer a clear path forward.
    — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of core
Noun
  • Pappas has also supported strict limits on perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, which are synthetic chemicals that can be found in an array of consumer products, including clothing, shampoo, electronics, and cleaning products.
    — Maydeen Merino, The Washington Examiner, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Discovery of the substance immediately made Tak Sumaya, an assistant professor who helped identify it in the coffee maker water, suspicious.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of substance
Noun
  • Your deep veins run within the muscles of your arms and legs, carrying most of the blood returning from your limbs to your heart.
    — Angela Haupt, Time, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Aware of the Simonson case in Minnesota, Wisconsin investigators identified one of the victims as Simonson, in part through a distinctive tattoo on her ankle featuring a heart and her daughter Alyssa's name.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of heart
Noun
  • The playwright Aristophanes’ account of love was the soul’s clocking of its like in another.
    — Eugenie Brinkema, ARTnews.com, 17 Oct. 2026
  • On YouTube, a continuous 10-hour loop of the song, uploaded by some kind soul, has alone garnered 14 million clicks.
    — Oscar Holland, CNN Money, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of soul
Noun
  • Each work takes its cues from Vodou spiritual practices in Haiti that are grounded in their African roots.
    — Hikmat Mohammed, ARTnews.com, 14 Oct. 2026
  • According to Snideman, the roots of the problem go back to when drivers paid vehicle licensing fees that helped fund critical services in San Mateo County.
    — Maddie White, CBS News, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of root
Noun
  • Turns out, Shakespeare didn’t have to decide, because the story works equally well whether the reader believes the figure is ectoplasm in the castle courtyard or is a psychological manifestation of Hamlet’s nagging conscience.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 13 Oct. 2026
  • The demonstrations became a more widespread manifestation of anger and anxiety about education, employment, and general livelihood issues.
    — Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of manifestation
Noun
  • In their experiments, the team found silicon in the kernels before irradiation.
    — Muskan Bhatia, Interesting Engineering, 16 Oct. 2026
  • The kernels also give you more control over how to prepare the popcorn.
    — Vanessa Caceres, Verywell Health, 13 Oct. 2026
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 21 Oct. 2026.

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