Synonyms

of the essence

Idioms

Of the greatest importance, crucial, as in Time is of the essence. This idiom, which uses essence in the sense of “the most important element of something,” was first recorded in 1873, although the phrase the essence of... was already being used in the mid-1600s.

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Speed is of the essence because, nearly a month in, disruptions are spreading.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 26, 2026

Now, time is of the essence for her to find a hubby.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 14, 2026

Time is of the essence when it comes to making these refund-enhancing tax-planning moves, and filing your 2025 tax return, according to Greene-Lewis.

From MarketWatch • Dec. 4, 2025

It says the government's announcement is "vital and long-overdue", but time is of the essence.

From BBC • Jul. 31, 2025

And while Clare was tempted to let her continue, just to see what absurd finish she had planned for this charade, time was of the essence.

From "The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest" by Aubrey Hartman

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023