assay 1 of 2

noun

ˈa-ˌsā How to pronounce assay (audio)
Definition of assaynext
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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2
as in attempt
archaic an effort to do or accomplish something the poem about a frustrated man's last assay at greatness

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assay

2 of 2

verb

a-ˈsā How to pronounce assay (audio)
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

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of assay
Noun
The two technologies provide a new approach for non-destructive assay (NDA) testing. — Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 28 May 2026 So, as long as your tests involve one of the assays that Finch can handle, then there’s an additional step that can be performed by the system. — ArsTechnica, 19 May 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
  1. analysis
  2. attempt
  3. analyze
  4. try
  5. dissect
  6. strive
  7. assess
  8. essay
Noun
  • The first step in a HUPEPA analysis is whether the plaintiff's cause (or causes) of action fall within the scope of that Act.
    — Jay Adkisson, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026
  • The trigger is not typically a specific threat to someone’s career, but broader angst, Pennington says, based on her AI tools’ analysis of the emotional tenor of the conversations.
    — Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 10 July 2026
Definition of analysis
Noun
  • In a confessional at the start of this week’s episode, Luke tries to redress his failure to communicate with Gen as an intentional attempt to guard Gen’s feelings in the middle of the charter.
    — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 14 July 2026
  • Tokyo — Japan may have its first ever female prime minister, but her government’s attempts to avoid a royal succession crisis are making the chances of a woman taking the imperial throne ever slimmer.
    — Hanako Montgomery, CNN Money, 14 July 2026
Definition of attempt
Verb
  • The hospital has also successfully used AI to analyze patients’ heart rhythms to tell whether someone could develop atrial fibrillation, a condition that can cause blood clots and strokes.
    — Clare Duffy, CNN Money, 16 July 2026
  • What the 2023 Sleep Study Found The research by Haibin Li and Frank Qian analyzed data from the National Health Interview Survey (1997-2018), linked to National Death Index records through December 31, 2019.
    — Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 15 July 2026
Definition of analyze
Verb
  • For a month, supporters of at least 10 different nations have come through the metro to cheer on their teams at Kansas City (Arrowhead) Stadium, attend the popular FIFA Fan Festival, try the city’s favorite barbecue and more.
    — The Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 12 July 2026
  • His priority this summer has been trying to build chemistry with a new group of receivers.
    — Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 12 July 2026
Definition of try
Verb
  • Join forces and sign up for our subscriber-exclusive newsletter dissecting House of the Dragon season three.
    — Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 6 July 2026
  • From the frantic frenzy surrounding royal nuptials to the way the internet dissected every possible clue from Zendaya and Tom Holland before they were revealed to have officially tied the knot, weddings like these are a cultural event.
    — Amanda Le, InStyle, 3 July 2026
Definition of dissect
Verb
  • In McBride’s work, collections of idiots and unlikable misfits strive for power and achievement and are inevitably foiled by their own flaws.
    — Kathryn VanArendonk, Vulture, 16 July 2026
  • Never forgetting your past, but also living in the present, and always striving to do more in the future.
    — Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 16 July 2026
Definition of strive
Verb
  • Vogue Business assessed the 64 shows and presentations published on Vogue Runway and contacted each brand to verify the findings (brands were given 48 hours to respond).
    — Amy Francombe, Vogue, 6 July 2026
  • Professionals must actively map where their risk truly lies, assessing counterparty exposure, income correlation, and cost repricing, rather than mistaking simplicity for safety.
    — Henrik Totterman, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026
Definition of assess
Verb
  • 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
  • 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
Definition of essay

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Cite this Entry

“Assay.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/assay. Accessed 17 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of assay for Spanish Speakers

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