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Definitions

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.

Speed is of the essence because, nearly a month in, disruptions are spreading.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 26, 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

Was this three wasted months when time was of the essence for him and England?

From BBC • Jun. 10, 2025

This time of year depictions of the Baby Jesus in a manger are everywhere as a commercial cue, an object of worship, as a depiction of the essence of innocence.

From Salon • Dec. 23, 2024

And while Clare was tempted to let her continue, just to see what absurd finish she had planned for this charade, time was of the essence.

From "The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest" by Aubrey Hartman