Synonyms of essence

1. kernel, substance, core, center, centre, essence, gist, heart, heart and soul, inwardness, marrow, meat, nub, pith, sum, nitty-gritty, content, cognitive content, mental object: usage: the choicest or most essential or most vital part of some idea or experience; "the gist of the prosecutor's argument"; "the heart and soul of the Republican Party"; "the nub of the story"
2. essence, substance: usage: any substance possessing to a high degree the predominant properties of a plant or drug or other natural product from which it is extracted
3. effect, essence, burden, core, gist, meaning, significance, signification, import: usage: the central meaning or theme of a speech or literary work
4. perfume, essence, toiletry, toilet articles: usage: a toiletry that emits and diffuses a fragrant odor