Synonyms for

Essentially

Verb / eˈsenʃʌli: / / i:ˈsenʃʌli: / Another word for essentially — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

in essence; basically

Synonyms & similar words

fundamentally basically basically fundamentally inherently naturally practically virtually substantially radically essence core gist heart nucleus meat substance crux pith kernel essentially elementally

Synonyms by register

Formal

fundamentally principally basically inherently

Informal

basically pretty much like sort of

Literary

in essence at heart

Antonyms

superficially incidentally accidentally unimportantly secondarily extraneously

Common collocations

  • essentially the same
  • essentially true
  • essentially a
  • essentially a matter of
  • essentially a question of
  • essentially a form of
  • essentially a part of

Word family

adjective essential
adverb essentially

Usage note

Often used to introduce the most important aspect of something. Can sometimes be overused, making sentences sound redundant.

Example sentences

  1. Essentially, the cake is made with flour, sugar, eggs, and milk.
  2. The story is essentially about a group of friends on a quest.
  3. The new law will essentially change how businesses operate.
  4. The painting is essentially a portrait of a woman.
  5. The car is essentially a smaller version of the original model.

Quotes

  • Essentially, all life depends upon the soil.
  • Essentially, I'm untrained, so I just go with my imagination and try to put myself as solidly as I can into the character.
  • Essentially, true freedom means taking full responsibility for everything that happens in your life and not blaming others.

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