ESSAYING Synonyms: 25 Similar and Opposite Words

essaying

verb

present participle of essay

as in trying

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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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 essaying The four-man group plays and sings with equal verve whether essaying its own engaging songs or classics by Bill Monroe, The Carter Family and The Stanley Brothers. — George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Mar. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for essaying

Verb

An Armenian alchemist named Avedis was trying to turn base metal into gold.

— Matt Alt, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2026
The worry is that Djrum might be trying a little bit too hard to impress, sacrificing listenability for technical expertise and look-at-this hyper-eclecticism.

— Ben Cardew, Pitchfork, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of trying

Verb

And as Ternus thumbs through the $1,999-and-up phone, attempting to drag a photo into a text-message box, eagle-eyed viewers notice his hands quivering.

— Andrew R. Chow, Time, 15 Oct. 2026
Featuring so many characters and elements from the games that non-aficionados are left desperately attempting to keep up, Street Fighter tries to thread the needle between fan service and welcoming the uninitiated.

— Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of attempting

Verb

And those striving for zest under these circumstances may benefit from assistance from a mental health professional like a psychologist, a physical health provider like a physician, or a personal trainer or fitness instructor.

— Joan M. Cook, Time, 17 Oct. 2026
There was a phone booth across the street where striving actors would take calls from their agents, before cell phones.

— Sam Kashner, Vanity Fair, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of striving

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essayed

essaying

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“Essaying.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/essaying. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of essaying

verb

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