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.

See Examples For:

of the essence

Campari recently tried out a new way of serving the Spritz cocktail at events where speed is of the essence.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 3, 2026

BBC Sport understands there have to be "exceptional circumstances" to justify the effort and that, in these cases, time might have been of the essence with a need for prompt testing.

From BBC ● Jul. 22, 2026

Time is of the essence, say top EU officials.

From Barron's ● Apr. 28, 2026

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

From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 14, 2026

This Atman, which resides in every thing, is part of the essence of the universe, and is immortal.

From "Zero: The Biography of a Dangerous Idea" by Charles Seife

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