assay 1 of 2

noun

ˈa-ˌsā How to pronounce assay (audio)
Definition of assaynext
1
as in analysis
the separation and identification of the parts of a whole a metallurgist did an assay on the metal and determined it contained nickel

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2
as in attempt
archaic an effort to do or accomplish something the poem about a frustrated man's last assay at greatness

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assay

2 of 2

verb

a-ˈsā How to pronounce assay (audio)
1
as in to analyze
to identify and examine the basic elements or parts of (something) especially for discovering interrelationships the company assayed a sample of the rock to see if it contained gold in quantities worth mining

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2
as in to attempt
to make an effort to do assaying the task of writing his autobiography

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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 assay
Noun
To work around these limitations, epidemiologists in the field have turned to broader-spectrum diagnostic kits and alternative rapid assays, though shortages of testing supplies and the logistical difficulties of operating in remote outbreak regions continue to hamper response efforts. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 29 May 2026 So, as long as your tests involve one of the assays that Finch can handle, then there’s an additional step that can be performed by the system. — ArsTechnica, 19 May 2026
Verb
For example, cell viability assays measure the effect of a chemical on cell survival and growth. — Brad Reisfeld, The Conversation, 12 Mar. 2025 Their startup is developing machine learning and artificial intelligence capabilities that will automate the assaying process for minerals in situ (on site). — Greg Autry, Forbes, 9 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for assay
Recent Examples of Synonyms for assay
  1. analysis
  2. attempt
  3. analyze
  4. try
  5. dissect
  6. strive
  7. assess
  8. essay
Noun
  • Siemens will provide simulation analysis and digital twin technology, while ABS will supply a safety assessment methodology built around digital twins.
    — Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Toxins were found in all types of cat food — wet, dry and air- or freeze-dried — even in products labeled as natural and nutritionally superior, according to the analysis released Friday.
    — Sandee LaMotte, CNN Money, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of analysis
Noun
  • On one attempt, the process server observed four cars in the driveway, but no one answered at the front door, the new filing said.
    — Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 6 Oct. 2026
  • However, the abduction goes wrong, and Jeong-yo is shot in his attempt to escape.
    — Kayti Burt, Time, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of attempt
Verb
  • Instead, those technologies automated routine work — and increased the value of workers who could analyze information, solve problems, and advise people.
    — Mary Moreland, Fortune, 7 Oct. 2026
  • The county’s diversification is about average compared to the 23 other counties analyzed by this specific measure but is high compared to typical United States counties.
    — Lizzie Kane, Sacbee.com, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of analyze
Verb
  • Cultural and societal differences can also represent a challenge for global businesses when trying to assess socio-economic diversity.
    — Sam Birchall, Fortune, 8 Oct. 2026
  • With c, the followup to last year’s UNMUSIQUE, Lucy is now two full-length projects deep for deadAir, sporting a new distribution deal with Atlantic and trying to translate their dreamscapes for bigger crowds.
    — H.D. Angel, Pitchfork, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of try
Verb
  • The replay spread across social media, where fans dissected the contact frame by frame and once again accused WNBA officials of allowing opponents to take non-basketball shots at Clark without immediate consequences.
    — Jackson Thompson OutKick, FOXNews.com, 3 Oct. 2026
  • Far from the only injury news to dissect Horn and Jackson aren’t the only ones who left Cleveland hurt.
    — Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of dissect
Verb
  • And day by day, play by play, Dunnigan is striving to improve.
    — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 3 Oct. 2026
  • These steps are consistent with any institution of excellence that is constantly striving for improvement.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of strive
Verb
  • It’s been further modified by many factors, from today’s online publishing platforms to new means for assessing and quantifying scientific impact, and the increasingly interdisciplinary and team-based nature of research.
    — Jeffrey S. Flier, STAT, 5 Oct. 2026
  • However, as some researchers have pointed out, the available studies didn’t assess whether emotions are actually regulated through the chatbot, and therefore conflate distress relief with attachment.
    — Pascal Vrticka, Scientific American, 4 Oct. 2026
Definition of assess
Verb
  • Larger collaboration, now being essayed by film industries as established as France and the Nordic States, is the bigger major way Africa’s film industries can also go.
    — John Hopewell, Variety, 5 Aug. 2026
  • After netting a Golden Globe nomination for her film debut in 1978's Corvette Summer, Annie Potts joined the cast of Ghostbusters, played the ultimate Cool Girl record store clerk in Pretty in Pink (1986), and essayed her most iconic role as barbed single-mother Mary Jo Shively on Designing Women.
    — Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 8 June 2026
Definition of essay

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Cite this Entry

“Assay.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/assay. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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