essay 1 of 2

1
as in article
a short piece of writing typically expressing a point of view school essays on what it means to be a patriot

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
2
3
as in test
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

essay

2 of 2

verb

as in to attempt
to make an effort to do he had been in gymnastics for some time before he even considered essaying that move

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb essay differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of essay are attempt, endeavor, strive, and try. While all these words mean "to make an effort to accomplish an end," essay implies difficulty but also suggests tentative trying or experimenting.

will essay a dramatic role for the first time

When might attempt be a better fit than essay?

While the synonyms attempt and essay are close in meaning, attempt stresses the initiation or beginning of an effort.

will attempt to photograph the rare bird

Where would endeavor be a reasonable alternative to essay?

Although the words endeavor and essay have much in common, endeavor heightens the implications of exertion and difficulty.

endeavored to find crash survivors in the mountains

When is strive a more appropriate choice than essay?

While in some cases nearly identical to essay, strive implies great exertion against great difficulty and specifically suggests persistent effort.

continues to strive for peace

How do try and attempt relate to one another, in the sense of essay?

Try is often close to attempt but may stress effort or experiment made in the hope of testing or proving something.

tried to determine which was the better procedure

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 essay
Noun
With the publication of In a Yellow Wood, a 712-page collection of Ozick’s stories and essays, Everyman’s Library has ruled in favor of the people. Linda Hall, Vulture, 13 Mar. 2025 In this essay, for example, Rusert examines how Black writers coopted the microscope. The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 13 Mar. 2025
Verb
Last month, Esquire published a sprawling as-told-to essay featuring Washington that detailed his faith. Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 23 Dec. 2024 Next Jameson essayed Russian and Central European formalists and linguists and their French descendants, the structuralists. Mark Greif, Harper's Magazine, 26 July 2024 See All Example Sentences for essay
Recent Examples of Synonyms for essay
Noun
  • Related article Global travel is disrupted by Heathrow’s closure.
    Christian Edwards, CNN, 22 Mar. 2025
  • Meanwhile, Republican lawmakers have begun introducing articles of impeachment against a number of federal judges who have ruled against Trump.
    Christian Datoc, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 22 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Virgin Orbit staged an airborne launch attempt from an airport in the United Kingdom in 2023, and the Plesetsk Cosmodrome is located in European Russia.
    Ars Technica, Ars Technica, 23 Mar. 2025
  • In a renewed effort, the government issued Decree 30-25 on January 25, 2025, in another attempt to implement VAT obligations for non-resident digital service providers.
    Aleksandra Bal, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Today, the state regularly makes international headlines for its controversial nuclear program and missile tests that rattle nearby countries.
    H.M.A. Leow, JSTOR Daily, 22 Mar. 2025
  • After undergoing numerous tests, she was diagnosed with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and was advised to take control of her health in preparation for future attempts at pregnancy.
    Tereza Shkurtaj, People.com, 22 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Dyrholm doesn’t only try to encounter her characters with openness but also people in her everyday life.
    Georg Szalai, The Hollywood Reporter, 23 Mar. 2025
  • Unmatched medical students can try to nab unfilled residency spots through the Supplemental Offer and Acceptance Program (SOAP).
    Zoey Lyttle, People.com, 23 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • This sounds like a risky experiment in urban behavior. — Bradley Davidson, Clairemont This article proves once again that city officials and developers are in need of social psychologists.
    U T Readers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Mar. 2025
  • In the dating experiment, singles test their chemistry while trying to keep their balloon intact.
    Peter White, Deadline, 27 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • At its essence, Zion Lodge strives to provide travelers with a space to relax.
    Sophie Mendel, Travel + Leisure, 23 Mar. 2025
  • Instead, strive to make choices that feel authentic and align with your values.
    Scott Mautz, Contributor, CNBC, 22 Mar. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Essay.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/essay. Accessed 2 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on essay

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!