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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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
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 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
  • Siemens will provide simulation analysis and digital twin technology, while ABS will supply a safety assessment methodology built around digital twins.
    — Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Toxins were found in all types of cat food — wet, dry and air- or freeze-dried — even in products labeled as natural and nutritionally superior, according to the analysis released Friday.
    — Sandee LaMotte, CNN Money, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of analysis
Noun
  • Starship’s first real shot at orbit SpaceX is set to launch Starship on its first genuine orbital attempt as soon as Monday morning, lifting off from Starbase, Texas, with 26 next-generation Starlink V3 satellites aboard.
    — Anniek Bao, CNBC, 28 Sep. 2026
  • The Jaguars scored on the next play to take a 28-3 lead, after which Patriots coach Mike Vrabel could be seen on the sideline with both hands on Maye’s shoulders in an apparent attempt to comfort his quarterback.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of attempt
Verb
  • For each gene, the catalogue would ideally include its technical complexity, which methods can reliably analyze it, and document when a specialized test is required.
    — Euan Ashley, STAT, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Signals intelligence is the field of collecting, intercepting and analyzing electronic signals to support defense, communications and emergency response.
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 30 Sep. 2026
Definition of analyze
Verb
  • But this is very much trying to show that first relationship after a big breakup.
    — Michael Schneider, Variety, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Iran has tried to push world energy prices higher with attacks on the region's oil shipping routes; the United States, in turn, has aimed to wreck Iran's economy by blockading its ports since June and slapping it with increasingly tough sanctions.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of try
Verb
  • The replay spread across social media, where fans dissected the contact frame by frame and once again accused WNBA officials of allowing opponents to take non-basketball shots at Clark without immediate consequences.
    — Jackson Thompson OutKick, FOXNews.com, 3 Oct. 2026
  • Far from the only injury news to dissect Horn and Jackson aren’t the only ones who left Cleveland hurt.
    — Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of dissect
Verb
  • But while the creators of AI strive to set guardrails, the building of the infrastructure for the technology continues.
    — Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 29 Sep. 2026
  • In a poetic blend of reality and imagination, a vivacious Brooklyn teenager strives to reclaim her own fleeting childhood while helping raise her four younger sisters.
    — Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of strive
Verb
  • It’s been further modified by many factors, from today’s online publishing platforms to new means for assessing and quantifying scientific impact, and the increasingly interdisciplinary and team-based nature of research.
    — Jeffrey S. Flier, STAT, 5 Oct. 2026
  • However, as some researchers have pointed out, the available studies didn’t assess whether emotions are actually regulated through the chatbot, and therefore conflate distress relief with attachment.
    — Pascal Vrticka, Scientific American, 4 Oct. 2026
Definition of assess
Verb
  • Larger collaboration, now being essayed by film industries as established as France and the Nordic States, is the bigger major way Africa’s film industries can also go.
    — John Hopewell, Variety, 5 Aug. 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 5 Oct. 2026.

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