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Dictionary.com
Definitions

essentially

ADVERB
basically
Synonyms
STRONGEST
actually approximately necessarily originally permanently quite really substantially truly typically virtually
STRONG
fundamentally
WEAK
at heart at the heart of centrally characteristically chiefly determinately factually importantly in effect in essence indispensably inherently intimately intrinsically materially more or less so naturally primarily principally radically significantly vitally
Antonyms
STRONGEST
doubtfully
WEAK
apparently on the surface superficially

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.

“When we use neutral atoms, they essentially connect to each other using light,” Bokhari explained.

From Barron's • Apr. 8, 2026

“That’s an extraordinary source of revenue — also a reminder that they essentially have a blackmail card up their sleeve,” he added.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 8, 2026

“This is a policy, essentially, to bring luxury housing back onto the market,” said Shane Phillips, a housing initiative project manager with UCLA’s Luskin School of Public Affairs.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 8, 2026

“That has essentially partially offset the slowdown in the growth of the labor force,” he said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 7, 2026

I relished seeing the familiar faces of my relatives, and I essentially met my grandparents for the first time.

From "How Dare the Sun Rise" by Sandra Uwiringiyimana