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

Hertzberg said he’s talked to investors who may be willing to buy these bonds at cheaper rates, given the crushing issue the funding is trying to solve.

— Audrey McGlinchy, Los Angeles Times, 24 Oct. 2026
For this week, however, Morris is an evil stepsibling, the 49ers’ defensive coordinator trying to slow down Robinson and the Falcons’ offense.

— Daniel Flick, AJC.com, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of trying

Verb

Everything has unintended consequences, and attempting to capture these trade-offs across the whole ecosystem — much of which sits outside of a brand’s control — would paralyze even the most proactive nature lead.

— Bella Webb, Vogue, 29 Oct. 2026
Soliman pleaded guilty to nine federal counts of hate crimes, including one resulting in Diamond’s death and eight for attempting to kill other demonstrators.

— Thomas Peipert, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of attempting

Verb

Filmed largely on the doctors’ phones, the film offers an intimate account of the people striving to preserve life amid a devastating humanitarian crisis.

— Leo Barraclough, Variety, 19 Oct. 2026
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

Definition of striving

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essayed

essaying

essayist

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“Essaying.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/essaying. Accessed 3 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of essaying

verb

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