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.

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

“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

The official statistics are essentially the number of people sleeping or about to bed down in the open air or in buildings not designated for habitation, such as car parks, on a single night.

From BBC • Jun. 10, 2026

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

From Barron's • Jun. 10, 2026

Even though the porpoise was large and essentially swallowed whole, the toupee stopped my heart.

From "The Line Tender" by Kate Allen

Vocabulary lists containing essentially

Amari and the Night Brothers

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

A First Time for Everything

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

Look Both Ways

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!