essay 1 of 2

1
as in article
a short piece of writing typically expressing a point of view school essays on what it means to be a patriot

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2
3
as in test
a procedure or operation carried out to resolve an uncertainty a little homemade essay to determine the easiest way to strip the paint from the bookcase

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essay

2 of 2

verb

as in to attempt
to make an effort to do he had been in gymnastics for some time before he even considered essaying that move

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb essay differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of essay are attempt, endeavor, strive, and try. While all these words mean "to make an effort to accomplish an end," essay implies difficulty but also suggests tentative trying or experimenting.

will essay a dramatic role for the first time

When might attempt be a better fit than essay?

While the synonyms attempt and essay are close in meaning, attempt stresses the initiation or beginning of an effort.

will attempt to photograph the rare bird

Where would endeavor be a reasonable alternative to essay?

Although the words endeavor and essay have much in common, endeavor heightens the implications of exertion and difficulty.

endeavored to find crash survivors in the mountains

When is strive a more appropriate choice than essay?

While in some cases nearly identical to essay, strive implies great exertion against great difficulty and specifically suggests persistent effort.

continues to strive for peace

How do try and attempt relate to one another, in the sense of essay?

Try is often close to attempt but may stress effort or experiment made in the hope of testing or proving something.

tried to determine which was the better procedure

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 essay
Noun
The accompanying essay trashed the looks as appearing to be fast-fashion knockoffs of Bessette-Kennedy’s high designer style. Marc Malkin, Variety, 19 June 2025 The Haves and Have-Yachts by Evan Osnos (Scribner: $30) A collection of essays exploring American oligarchy and the culture of excess. … Paperback fiction 1. The California Independent Booksellers Alliance, Los Angeles Times, 18 June 2025
Verb
Additional help like rewriting or essay editing services often comes in handy. Rowan Briggs, The Mercury News, 21 Mar. 2025 How does a child actor agree to be a part of a horror movie and essay an important part in it? Sweta Kaushal, Forbes.com, 10 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for essay
Recent Examples of Synonyms for essay
Noun
  • In 2023 and the first months of 2024, his name cropped up in a lot of excitable articles in the Rio de Janeiro press.
    Jack Lang, New York Times, 27 June 2025
  • This article discusses, in depth, the events of The Bear’s Season 4 finale.
    Judy Berman, Time, 26 June 2025
Noun
  • They were born out of a pitiless epidemic, as a poignant yet futile attempt to allow his subjects to live forever on film.
    Chris Wiley, New Yorker, 28 June 2025
  • Barcelos picked up eight takedowns and nearly 10 minutes of control time and added two submission attempts during the matchup.
    Trent Reinsmith, Forbes.com, 28 June 2025
Noun
  • Newell also might be underrated given his lack of electrifying highlights; analytic models view the southpaw more favorably than the eye test.
    Sam Vecenie, New York Times, 26 June 2025
  • The test involved punching holes in the ear pinna of rabbits and mice and tracking the wound-repairing process.
    Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 26 June 2025
Verb
  • Staff tried to resuscitate him and called 911, but less than an hour later, he was pronounced dead by Miami Fire Rescue Department.
    Syra Ortiz Blanes, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 June 2025
  • Connecting the dots here, Perez is clearly trying to take over Morgan’s spot as the commander-in-chief of Judgment Day.
    Blake Oestriecher, Forbes.com, 28 June 2025
Noun
  • The venue’s 12 to 15 staff members will start with a few shows on the weekends, and experiment with formats such as residencies and eclectic types of performances — such as dance, circus and comedy — in addition to music.
    John Wenzel, Denver Post, 19 June 2025
  • What started as an experiment has since become a meaningful addition to our portfolio and a fresh, distinctive white wine that brings a new dimension to the Bella Union experience.
    Tom Hyland, Forbes.com, 19 June 2025
Verb
  • Kenn Ricci, founder of Flexjet, is an executive who strives to embody both while also running a business in one of the more challenging industries to be sustainable in, aviation.
    Alexander Puutio, Forbes.com, 28 June 2025
  • But improvements on the field are what this group strives for each year.
    Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 27 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Essay.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/essay. Accessed 2 Jul. 2025.

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