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.

Timing, however, is of the essence for fire survivors.

From Los Angeles Times • May 15, 2026

Time is of the essence, say top EU officials.

From Barron's • Apr. 28, 2026

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

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 26, 2026

"If a heel prick test had been done... things would have been addressed. Time is of the essence with this."

From BBC • Jan. 6, 2026

If there was to be any chance of sorting out this mess before sunrise, speed was of the essence.

From "Artemis Fowl" by Eoin Colfer

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