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
One of the investigators who received this funding, Andrew Levin of Kephera Diagnostics, leads a team that developed a prototype lateral flow assay, which works like a home pregnancy test but uses blood instead of urine. — Lauren Schneider, Scientific American, 9 June 2026 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
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
  • One recent analysis estimates that the Big Three took between 10 and 15 years to catch up with Japanese advances in production efficiency.
    — Rick Lazio, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2026
  • The analysis suggested melatonin could offer advantages over traditional sedatives for older adults, who may be more susceptible to confusion after surgery.
    — Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of analysis
Noun
  • Well, on Monday, Overshown put those doubts to rest by tying for the team lead with six tackles and recording a game-sealing interception in the fourth quarter to thwart a Philadelphia comeback attempt.
    — Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Oct. 2026
  • Butker made his next attempt — a 50-yard field goal to cut the Seahawks’ lead to 13-3 late in the third quarter — before missing from 45 yards midway through the fourth.
    — Pete Sweeney October 26, Kansas City Star, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of attempt
Verb
  • Local processing could help rovers analyze terrain, interpret sensor readings, and support decisions without sending every piece of data back to Earth.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 21 Oct. 2026
  • Databricks helps organizations collect, process, and analyze large amounts of data and has been used by companies, such as Al-Futtaim Group, to help optimize its supply chain and develop a customer loyalty program.
    — Melissa Hancock, Fortune, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of analyze
Verb
  • Others are trying to drive employees toward what are called Centers of Excellence—essentially hospitals or medical practices with high ratings that may save money in the long-term since employees won’t need to return again and again for care.
    — Alana Semuels, Time, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Iran continued its campaign of striking ships trying to use the Strait of Hormuz, with four drones in the last 24 hours.
    — Jim Edwards, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of try
Verb
  • To dissect the explosive last episode, director Adam Randall, who is also returning to direct Season 8, sat down with Variety to talk spoilers, rumors and more.
    — K.J. Yossman, Variety, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Along with that oh-so-sweet commercial success came rounds of discourse that callously dissected her racial identity, her relationship with her Blackness, and the winding history of genre in the context of American music.
    — Kyle Denis, Billboard, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of dissect
Verb
  • Kansas has emerged as an unlikely battleground in a turbulent midterm election year for Republicans, who are striving to hold onto slim majorities in both chambers of Congress.
    — Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 27 Oct. 2026
  • Eager to carry on the family legacy, Charlie strives to become a Baywatch lifeguard alongside her dad.
    — Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of strive
Verb
  • Analysts assessing China’s September 2025 weapons display cautioned that questions about operational capabilities remained.
    — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 25 Oct. 2026
  • On top of that, BYU defensive tackle Keanu Tanuvasa was assessed an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty that gave the Knights a fresh set of downs and moved them up to the BYU 28-yard line.
    — Matt Reigle OutKick, FOXNews.com, 25 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 28 Oct. 2026.

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