Synonyms of assay

assay 1 of 2

noun

ˈa-ˌsā 

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• analysis
• investigation
• assessment
• inspection
• examination
• evaluation
• dissection
• anatomy
• breakdown
• diagnosis
• deconstruction
• anatomizing
• classification
• inventory
• cataloging
• indexing
• enumeration
• categorization
• tabulation
• codification
• scrutiny
• arrangement
• assortment
• reduction
• subdivision
• segmentation
• muster
• itemization
• division
• separation

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• synthesis
• integration
• consolidation
• aggregation
• assimilation
• amalgamation
• unification
• agglomeration
• coalescence
• conglomeration

2

as in attempt

archaic an effort to do or accomplish something

the poem about a frustrated man's last assay at greatness

Synonyms & Similar Words

• attempt
• try
• endeavor
• essay
• stab
• bid
• shot
• trial
• offer
• go
• pass
• fling
• crack
• undertaking
• bash
• whack
• struggle
• whirl
• striving
• trial and error
• throes

assay

2 of 2

verb

a-ˈsā 

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• analyze
• dissect
• assess
• examine
• diagnose
• investigate
• evaluate
• cut
• divide
• anatomize
• deconstruct
• index
• break down
• inspect
• catalog
• scrutinize
• classify
• tabulate
• segment
• codify
• enumerate
• reduce
• categorize
• subdivide
• order
• sort
• separate
• arrange
• schematize
• diagram
• assort

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• integrate
• synthesize
• aggregate
• consolidate
• conglomerate
• unify
• assimilate
• coalesce
• amalgamate
• agglomerate

2

as in to attempt

to make an effort to do

assaying the task of writing his autobiography

Synonyms & Similar Words

• attempt
• try
• strive
• essay
• shoot at
• endeavor
• seek
• work
• have a go at
• try one's hand (at)
• hope
• fight
• struggle
• undertake
• aim
• toil
• trouble
• strain
• take up
• aspire
• assume

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• drop
• give up
• quit

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of assay

Noun

One of the investigators who received this funding, Andrew Levin of Kephera Diagnostics, leads a team that developed a prototype lateral flow assay, which works like a home pregnancy test but uses blood instead of urine. — Lauren Schneider, Scientific American, 9 June 2026

To work around these limitations, epidemiologists in the field have turned to broader-spectrum diagnostic kits and alternative rapid assays, though shortages of testing supplies and the logistical difficulties of operating in remote outbreak regions continue to hamper response efforts. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 29 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

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