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.

The Internal Revenue Service treats these conversions as income because you are essentially choosing to prepay taxes on them.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 27, 2026

Things are good, but GE Vernova has essentially sold out its turbine capacity through the end of the decade, making further growth more difficult.

From Barron's • Apr. 27, 2026

In vertebrates, the retina is essentially an extension of the brain.

From Science Daily • Apr. 27, 2026

But her focus remains her career, and she will soon start seeking pupillage, essentially a paid apprenticeship for barristers.

From BBC • Apr. 26, 2026

The verdict of history, or at least the reigning judgment of most historians, is that the story is essentially true.

From "Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation" by Joseph J. Ellis

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!