as in tried
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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Recent Examples of essayed
During the last 45 years or so, additional sketches for the finale have surfaced, and a number of musicologists and composers have essayed completions of the movement.
—
Scott Cantrell, Dallas Morning News, 16 Jan. 2026
In the process, Tarr essayed an arresting tone poem about spiritual isolation that enraptured viewers.
—Tim Grierson, Rolling Stone, 6 Jan. 2026
The story is raw, layered, and powerful, with unforgettable characters which will be essayed by incredibly talented actors.
—Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 10 Oct. 2025
Scott Cantrell, Dallas Morning News, 16 Jan. 2026
In the process, Tarr essayed an arresting tone poem about spiritual isolation that enraptured viewers.
—Tim Grierson, Rolling Stone, 6 Jan. 2026
The story is raw, layered, and powerful, with unforgettable characters which will be essayed by incredibly talented actors.
—Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 10 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for essayed
Verb
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The Dodgers have tried this approach before – most notably when Bryce Harper reached free agency in 2019.—
Bill Plunkett,
Oc Register,
22 Jan. 2026
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Sam Malinski tried to poke the puck ahead along the left wall in the offensive zone, but Ducks captain Radko Gudas intercepted it and sent the visitors in the other direction.—
Corey Masisak,
Denver Post,
22 Jan. 2026
Verb
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In his place, the Broncos will start former Patriots draft pick Jarrett Stidham, who hasn’t attempted a pass in an NFL game since the end of the 2023 season.—
Andrew Callahan,
Boston Herald,
25 Jan. 2026
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The refs attempted to escort Fatu to the back, but he was attacked from behind by Rhodes.—
Blake Oestriecher,
Forbes.com,
25 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Essayed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/essayed. Accessed 28 Jan. 2026.
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