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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to attempt
to make an effort to do
assaying the task of writing his autobiography
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of assay
Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 10 Feb. 2026
Common testing methods include reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, viral culture and immunofluorescence assays.
—Sacbee.com, 23 Jan. 2026
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
Noun
This can then be used to produce high-assay, low-enrichment uranium (HALEU) fuel for small modular reactors (SMRs).
—Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 10 Feb. 2026
Common testing methods include reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, viral culture and immunofluorescence assays.
—Sacbee.com, 23 Jan. 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
Noun
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Matt Barrows’ analysis Fantasy impact Stribling would have seen top 30 upside if not for the signing of Mike Evans.—
Matt Barrows,
New York Times,
25 Apr. 2026
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The belief that Trump has been following Nixon’s playbook in relation to Iran has been a staple of recent media analysis.—
Fintan O’Toole,
The New York Review of Books,
25 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Cunningham was 13-for-23 from the field, made all 14 of his free throw attempts and added five assists.—
Dan Santaromita,
New York Times,
1 May 2026
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When scientists initially studied attempts to learn while sleeping, the results seemed promising.—
Shayla Love,
New Yorker,
1 May 2026
Verb
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But the new traffic data the railroads analyzed from all the major freight railroads convinced executives that more job growth is likely.—
Josh Funk,
Chicago Tribune,
30 Apr. 2026
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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers.—
BestReviews,
Mercury News,
30 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Meanwhile, Russia is trying to punish Ukraine on the battlefield.—
Sudarsan Raghavan,
New Yorker,
28 Apr. 2026
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When Andrei Vasilevskiy tried to poke the puck away, Bolduc had moved so deep into the crease area that the puck went off him and into the net for his first career playoff goal.—
Arpon Basu,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2026
Verb
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But with a sequel to dissect and an audience primed for this kind of analysis, the larger conversation around villainy is worth reviving.—
Louis Peitzman,
Vulture,
30 Apr. 2026
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Dolan dissects his estrangement from his mother after forty years of attempts at peace, and weaves in research and reportage about child abuse and trauma.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
28 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The Tampa Bay Rays are still striving for a Hillsborough County stadium vote in May, the team informed the county late last week.—
Nicolas Villamil,
The Orlando Sentinel,
27 Apr. 2026
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Add in Michael’s goth love interest, Star (Maria Wirries), and the musical strives to capture some of the cult appeal of the source musical, the plot of which David Hornsby and Chris Hoch’s book follows closely with one notable change.—
Chris Jones,
New York Daily News,
27 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Robinson — who stepped over Daniels during a testy Game 2 exchange — and Daniels were assessed offsetting technical fouls and were both ejected.—
Peter Sblendorio,
New York Daily News,
1 May 2026
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Orland Park Assistant Village Manager Jim Culotta said the village will decide whether to continue funding the program for residents after three years, assessing how many residents use the service and how its received by the broader community.—
Olivia Stevens,
Chicago Tribune,
30 Apr. 2026
Verb
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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
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Playboy's spring issue, including Hale's full photo shoot and essay, hits newsstands in April.—
Shania Russell,
Entertainment Weekly,
11 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Assay.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/assay. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
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