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
Relevance
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to attempt
to make an effort to do
assaying the task of writing his autobiography
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
IEEE Spectrum, 28 May 2015
And receptor binding assays assess whether chemicals can interact with specific proteins on cells and trigger harmful effects.
—Brad Reisfeld, The Conversation, 12 Mar. 2025
Michael Greshko, Scientific American, 24 July 2024
To recall how youths assayed the Beatles/Stones rivalry is to be reminded that when rock and roll was in its juvenescence, youths interrelated with their music heroes in a way that today seems scarcely fathomable.
—Chris Wheatley, Longreads, 16 July 2024
See All Example Sentences for assay
Noun
Even the fanciest genetic sequencers, chemical assays, and data analytics may simply state the obvious: Eat better, quit smoking, reduce stress.
—IEEE Spectrum, 28 May 2015
And receptor binding assays assess whether chemicals can interact with specific proteins on cells and trigger harmful effects.
—Brad Reisfeld, The Conversation, 12 Mar. 2025
Verb
The 950-pound rover could navigate treacherous lunar terrain to reach a site of interest, assay the soil’s ice content with three-foot-deep drilling and then move on to another location to do it all again.
—Michael Greshko, Scientific American, 24 July 2024
To recall how youths assayed the Beatles/Stones rivalry is to be reminded that when rock and roll was in its juvenescence, youths interrelated with their music heroes in a way that today seems scarcely fathomable.
—Chris Wheatley, Longreads, 16 July 2024
See All Example Sentences for assay
Recent Examples of Synonyms for assay
Noun
-
His analysis of lobbying records inspired changes to the state’s lobbying laws.—
Talia Buford,
ProPublica,
16 May 2025
-
In 2022, those terms appeared for the first time in bills introduced in 12 states, according to a USA TODAY analysis of data compiled by bill-tracking firm Plural.—
Jessica Guynn,
USA Today,
16 May 2025
Noun
-
His attempt to turn the briefing into a public-relations coup—and to trade on his reputation as a deft negotiator has collapsed.—
Sizwe Mpofu Walsh,
Time,
23 May 2025
-
An attempt to streamline that story line would render Elden Ring not unlike Game of Thrones: a dark, twisted fantasy narrative where death rules over all.—
Fran Hoepfner,
Vulture,
23 May 2025
Verb
-
By continuously observing and analyzing these data, these systems generate personalized interventions designed to help users manage times of mental strain.—
Connie Etemadi,
USA Today,
16 May 2025
-
The Phillies, like most teams, have high-speed cameras that can help a pitcher analyze finger placement.—
Matt Gelb,
New York Times,
15 May 2025
Verb
-
Two years later, he was tried again and found guilty of felony murder and second-degree kidnapping.—
Emily Blackwood,
People.com,
24 May 2025
-
Carmichael is content to share his personal shame while exposing the social ills that have also tried to stop him from being his true self.—
Aramide Tinubu,
Variety,
23 May 2025
Verb
-
Melly dissected the song in a 2018 video with Genius, a media outlet that posts song lyrics and frequently interviews artists about the meaning of their music.—
Grethel Aguila,
Miami Herald,
12 May 2025
-
There’s purpose in that focus, but there’s also vulnerability in choosing to show up pregnant, powerful and unapologetically herself, knowing the world will try to dissect it.—
Sughnen Yongo,
Forbes.com,
6 May 2025
Verb
-
What Thornton is striving toward, an embrace of generosity, of humanity being able to change what faith and religion even mean, is often moving.—
Ella Kemp,
IndieWire,
23 May 2025
-
Businesses should be able to write off the full expense of their capital investments in the year they are made, and the Senate should strive to cut spending elsewhere to balance out the revenue losses from making bonus depreciation permanent.—
The Editors,
National Review,
23 May 2025
Verb
-
Virginia Canter, a former government ethics lawyer, said executive branch employees who don’t have nonpublic information and want to trade stock should consult with ethics officials before doing so, thereby allowing an independent third party to assess their actions.—
Robert Faturechi,
ProPublica,
22 May 2025
-
Unlike mutual funds, private equity offers little transparency, and retail investors may struggle to assess true value.—
Dan Irvine,
Forbes.com,
22 May 2025
Verb
-
Kapoor essays the role of a cop who has been trying to catch the thief for a long time.—
Sweta Kaushal,
Forbes.com,
1 May 2025
-
Akshay Kumar plays Nair while R Madhavan essays the role of his opposing lawyer in the film.—
Sweta Kaushal,
Forbes.com,
28 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Assay.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/assay. Accessed 29 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share