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
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
  • Just remember, this post is not for hints or clues, this post has the answer and some analysis of today’s guessing game and so forth.
    — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
  • But as the days dwindle, local officials have said an independent analysis is still needed to answer residents’ concerns.
    — DJ Simmons August 1, Charlotte Observer, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of analysis
Noun
  • More than 150 migrants were rescued in the early hours of Tuesday morning after a boat caught fire in the English Channel in an attempt to travel from France to Britain, according to French authorities.
    — Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 4 Aug. 2026
  • The current revival attempt is driven by higher capital costs and a backlash against ESG frameworks, offering a seemingly simple objective.
    — Steve Denning, Forbes.com, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of attempt
Verb
  • As part of the same study, the researchers also analyzed gene activity in different tissues, including the liver and heart, to better understand the molecular changes accompanying the behavioral shifts.
    — Panashe Matemba-Mutasa, Mercury News, 5 Aug. 2026
  • The researchers analyzed data from 503 camera traps and 59 GPS collars tracking pumas’ presence in Washington State’s Olympic Peninsula between 2020 and 2025.
    — Gennaro Tomma, Scientific American, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of analyze
Verb
  • Water authorities trying to maintain adequate supplies of fresh water have banned farmers in some parts of the country from pumping water out of canals to irrigate their crops.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 2 Aug. 2026
  • An executive nobody had heard of became a target of online attacks for the offense of trying to turn around a fading chicken and biscuits restaurant.
    — Nathaniel Meyersohn, CNN Money, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of try
Verb
  • The former president’s annual summer playlists have become a cultural event, generating a widespread discussion on social media as fans dissect his music choices and debate notable inclusions and omissions.
    — Kiara Moore, The Washington Examiner, 30 July 2026
  • Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s visit to the UK was short-lived, but royal enthusiasts continue to dissect the trip.
    — Allison DeGrushe, StyleCaster, 30 July 2026
Definition of dissect
Verb
  • Arnetra and her sister, Akiva, described Darius as a joker, always striving to bring joy to those around him.
    — Maveah Griffith, Charlotte Observer, 31 July 2026
  • At the time, the organization, which typically strives to have four days worth of blood on hand, only had two, according to Kristin Connor, Vitalant’s northern California communications manager.
    — Velvet Wu July 29, Sacbee.com, 29 July 2026
Definition of strive
Verb
  • The recurring fuel and service operations can be assessed through margins, contracts, customer retention, and cash conversion.
    — Jim Osman, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
  • Tyler Vanwert via Reuters A wildfire burning northwest of downtown Spokane, Washington, has damaged more than 600 structures as officials continue to assess the destruction.
    — Kayla Hayempour, NBC news, 2 Aug. 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 6 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of assay for Spanish Speakers

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