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.

Enacted in 1996, Section 230, as it's usually referred, essentially gives legal immunity to platforms for anything that occurs on them.

From BBC • Jun. 11, 2026

“Refineries cost a lot of money and essentially make pennies on the dollar,” said Ed Hirs, an energy economist in Houston.

From Salon • Jun. 11, 2026

They point, essentially, to test scores that are lower than the state average, lower than other charters and lower than nearby district-operated “comparison” schools.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 11, 2026

Amazon is essentially doing exactly what industry players are doing today.

From Barron's • Jun. 10, 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

Vocabulary lists containing essentially

Amari and the Night Brothers

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A First Time for Everything

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Look Both Ways

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