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.

Bread pudding is essentially a blank canvas for whatever bits and bobs are floating around your kitchen waiting for purpose.

From Salon • May 25, 2026

But if they did, they would see that it’s essentially the same story—an A.I. chatbot is just a mathematical flip-book.

From Slate • May 25, 2026

For some analysts, this re-focusing is essentially the best option for the Saudi authorities and a way for them to save Vision 2030 itself.

From BBC • May 25, 2026

She won 56% of the vote in a contest that some locals describe as essentially a popularity contest.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 24, 2026

It is essentially a guide to women and love.

From "Vincent and Theo: The Van Gogh Brothers" by Deborah Heiligman

Vocabulary lists containing essentially

Amari and the Night Brothers

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