essentialism
noun
es·sen·tial·ism
i-ˈsen(t)-shə-ˌli-zəm 
1
: an educational theory that ideas and skills basic to a culture should be taught to all alike by time-tested methods compare progressivism
2
: a philosophical theory ascribing ultimate reality to essence embodied in a thing perceptible to the senses compare nominalism
3
: the practice of regarding something (such as a presumed human trait) as having innate existence or universal validity rather than as being a social, ideological, or intellectual construct
Examples of essentialism in a Sentence
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McKeown uses clear examples, research, and principles to demonstrate precisely how essentialism makes a difference in the workplace.
—
Serenity Gibbons, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025
The concept of essentialism offers a solution to help leaders cut through the noise, regain their focus, and protect their time from unnecessary distractions.
—Serenity Gibbons, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025
Donna Haraway – Challenges essentialism, advocating for hybridity and interconnectedness.
—Alessia Glaviano, Vogue, 18 Mar. 2025
Her intense focus on biology also reflects a sense of essentialism that goes beyond just erotic and gendered bodies.
—Eliza Goodpasture, ARTnews.com, 18 Mar. 2025
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Serenity Gibbons, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025
The concept of essentialism offers a solution to help leaders cut through the noise, regain their focus, and protect their time from unnecessary distractions.
—Serenity Gibbons, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025
Donna Haraway – Challenges essentialism, advocating for hybridity and interconnectedness.
—Alessia Glaviano, Vogue, 18 Mar. 2025
Her intense focus on biology also reflects a sense of essentialism that goes beyond just erotic and gendered bodies.
—Eliza Goodpasture, ARTnews.com, 18 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for essentialism
Cite this Entry
“Essentialism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/essentialism. Accessed 5 Jun. 2025.
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