1
as in analysis
the separation and identification of the parts of a whole
a metallurgist did an assay on the metal and determined it contained nickel
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in to analyze
to identify and examine the basic elements or parts of (something) especially for discovering interrelationships
the company assayed a sample of the rock to see if it contained gold in quantities worth mining
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to attempt
to make an effort to do
assaying the task of writing his autobiography
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of assay
Jessica Walrack, USA Today, 16 Apr. 2026
Two buyers can quote you 95% of the spot price to buy your gold assets, but if one deducts fees, shipping and assay costs from that price — and the other doesn't — there's a clear winner in the mix.
—Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 23 Feb. 2026
Brad Reisfeld, The Conversation, 12 Mar. 2025
Their startup is developing machine learning and artificial intelligence capabilities that will automate the assaying process for minerals in situ (on site).
—Greg Autry, Forbes, 9 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for assay
Noun
To evaluate a seller, look for a strong track record of customer reviews, accreditation with the Better Business Bureau, clear buyback policies and proper documentation, such as assay certificates when applicable.
—Jessica Walrack, USA Today, 16 Apr. 2026
Two buyers can quote you 95% of the spot price to buy your gold assets, but if one deducts fees, shipping and assay costs from that price — and the other doesn't — there's a clear winner in the mix.
—Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 23 Feb. 2026
Verb
For example, cell viability assays measure the effect of a chemical on cell survival and growth.
—Brad Reisfeld, The Conversation, 12 Mar. 2025
Their startup is developing machine learning and artificial intelligence capabilities that will automate the assaying process for minerals in situ (on site).
—Greg Autry, Forbes, 9 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for assay
Recent Examples of Synonyms for assay
Noun
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Electra’s analysis found that the configuration could deliver up to a 17 percent efficiency improvement beyond gains expected by 2050 from advanced structures, engine technologies, and aerodynamic improvements.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
13 June 2026
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The Conversation is an independent and nonprofit source of news, analysis and commentary from academic experts.—
Tom Reinsfelder,
The Orlando Sentinel,
13 June 2026
Noun
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Los Angeles appears poised to lose in its attempt to keep $100 million in state grant funding for transportation projects in some of the neediest neighborhoods after a state commission declined to hear the city’s appeal for an extension.—
Melissa Gomez,
Los Angeles Times,
19 June 2026
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His endorsements are regarded as a high-risk, but high-reward attempt to reshape Washington politics by sending left-leaning candidates to Congress.—
Marcia Kramer,
CBS News,
19 June 2026
Verb
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In the study, which analyzed data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health collected between 2021 and 2024, researchers say that despite numerous state-level bans on kratom across the nation, its use is at an all-time high and is increasing.—
Karen Garcia,
Los Angeles Times,
19 June 2026
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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers.—
BestReviews,
Mercury News,
18 June 2026
Verb
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Beloved actor Ron Perlman fully leans into trying to make the contestants fail this task by forcing eye contact, asking them polite questions, rebuking their bad manners in ignoring him, and even doggedly getting into their personal space.—
Tasha Robinson,
Vulture,
16 June 2026
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When a group of six fans wearing white t-shirts with the pre-revolution flag emblazoned on the fronts tried to enter, they were stopped by a security staffer, who called over her supervisor.—
Henry Bushnell,
New York Times,
16 June 2026
Verb
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In the month since her Netflix debut, viewers have dissected everything about the now 21-year-old Shirilla, who is currently serving two concurrent sentences of 15 years to life in prison—her first parole hearing is scheduled for September 2037.—
Savannah Walsh,
Vanity Fair,
18 June 2026
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Join forces and sign up for our subscriber-exclusive newsletter dissecting House of the Dragon season three.—
Roxana Hadadi,
Vulture,
18 June 2026
Verb
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There are luxury resorts that strive to feel like homes, and then there are homes that accidentally become luxury resorts.—
Arion McNicoll,
TheWeek,
15 June 2026
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Impersonators try to embody the whole character, while tribute artists strive for other types of authenticity, like voice and dress.—
AJ Willingham,
AJC.com,
13 June 2026
Verb
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Officials were continuing to conduct mobile air monitoring and assess potential air quality impacts on Thursday, the agency said.—
Clara Harter,
Los Angeles Times,
18 June 2026
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According to the study, North America ranked sixth among the six regions assessed.—
Nia Bowers,
USA Today,
18 June 2026
Verb
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There is a secondary love affair being essayed here beyond the one with Robert Smith, and Rodrigo did a fairly effective job in pre-release commentary of explaining how, thematically, this would be a two-part album.—
Chris Willman,
Variety,
12 June 2026
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After netting a Golden Globe nomination for her film debut in 1978's Corvette Summer, Annie Potts joined the cast of Ghostbusters, played the ultimate Cool Girl record store clerk in Pretty in Pink (1986), and essayed her most iconic role as barbed single-mother Mary Jo Shively on Designing Women.—
Declan Gallagher,
Entertainment Weekly,
8 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Assay.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/assay. Accessed 21 Jun. 2026.
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