Synonyms of essays

essays 1 of 2

noun

plural of essay

1

as in articles

a short piece of writing typically expressing a point of view

school essays on what it means to be a patriot

Synonyms & Similar Words

• articles
• papers
• themes
• dissertations
• editorials
• treatises
• commentaries
• compositions
• columns
• reports
• features
• studies
• theses
• write-ups
• reviews
• discourses
• discussions
• tracts
• causeries
• prolegomena
• expositions

2

as in attempts

an effort to do or accomplish something

my first essay at baking a cake did not go well

Synonyms & Similar Words

• attempts
• tries
• goes
• endeavors
• stabs
• bids
• assays
• shots
• offers
• trials
• passes
• undertakings
• flings
• strivings
• cracks
• struggles
• bashes
• whacks
• whirls
• throes
• trial and errors

3

as in tests

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• tests
• experiments
• experimentations
• trials
• efforts
• tries
• exercises
• practices
• attempts
• rehearsals
• ordeals
• workouts
• tryouts
• crucibles
• trial and errors
• dry runs
• shakedowns

essays

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of essay

as in tries

to make an effort to do

he had been in gymnastics for some time before he even considered essaying that move

Synonyms & Similar Words

• attempts
• tries
• strives
• endeavors
• assays
• seeks
• has a go at
• shoots at
• works
• struggles
• hopes
• troubles
• tries one's hand (at)
• toils
• aims
• fights
• undertakes
• strains
• aspires
• takes up
• assumes

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• drops
• gives up
• quits

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of essays

Noun

That gallery show is now further documented in the form of a new monograph, featuring essays from various writers, critics and curators exploring the work of artists including Kennedy Yanko, Maia Ruth Lee, Uman and more. — Kristen Tauer, Footwear News, 23 Oct. 2026

In a recent lawsuit, the student alleges the university allowed some of the accused to write essays as a way to mitigate discipline in the case. — Mary Beth Canty, Chicago Tribune, 22 Oct. 2026

Her next publication is a book of essays about reading deeply, out in February. — Merve Emre, New Yorker, 21 Oct. 2026

New Feeling features original essays from all four members, plus contributions from Lorde, Debbie Harry, Karl Ove Knausgaard, Jeff Bridges, and more. — Hattie Lindert, Pitchfork, 21 Oct. 2026

His books and essays, most written over nearly a half-century starting in the 1960s, give the impression of a man who was deeply principled. — Tamar Haspel, Washington Post, 21 Oct. 2026

This excellent volume contains a series of concise and authoritative essays on key aspects of the Ghetto’s early history, written by leading experts in the field. — Literary Hub, 16 Oct. 2026

Her essays appear in Slate, The Guardian, Vogue, New York Magazine, CNN, Rolling Stone, The Washington Post, Elle, Marie Claire and other outlets. — Christina Wyman, CNBC, 14 Oct. 2026

Two were asked to write reflection essays as part of their punishments. — ABC News, 14 Oct. 2026

Verb

In the film, Bajpayee plays the police officer while Jim Sarbh essays the role of the killer who goes by the fictional name Carl Bhojraj. — Sweta Kaushal, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025