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

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

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 26, 2026

Now, time is of the essence for her to find a hubby.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 14, 2026

"If a heel prick test had been done... things would have been addressed. Time is of the essence with this."

From BBC • Jan. 6, 2026

If it was, speed would be of the essence, and funding on a heroic scale would flow.

From "Big Science" by Michael Hiltzik