of the essence

ADJECTIVE

prerequisite

Synonyms

STRONG

essential expedient imperative mandatory requisite

WEAK

called-for important indispensable necessitous needful obligatory required vital

Antonyms

STRONG

inessential optional secondary unnecessary voluntary

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.

Time is of the essence, say top EU officials.

From Barron's • Apr. 28, 2026

On the hour, with time of the essence and an equaliser required, Spurs supporters erupted as the ball was played around aimlessly at the back in the manner of a team defending a healthy lead.

From BBC • Jan. 17, 2026

Time is of the essence when it comes to making these refund-enhancing tax-planning moves, and filing your 2025 tax return, according to Greene-Lewis.

From MarketWatch • Dec. 4, 2025

With speed of the essence, they don’t stop for anything; even bathroom breaks are handled as the boat rockets forward.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 28, 2025

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

of the essence

Example Sentences

Related Words