essayed

VERB

try, attempt

Synonyms

STRONG

aim assay endeavor labor offer seek strive struggle test toil travail undertake venture work

WEAK

have a crack have a go have a shot have at it make a run at put to the test take a stab at take a whack at take on try out

Antonyms

STRONG

forget idle laze neglect relax rest

WEAK

be idle pass

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

In the second cast, Christine Shevchenko fell far short of Ms. Teuscher’s finesse, but she essayed the opening “Preghiera” movement with more of its requisite lilt and shimmer than Ms. Teuscher did.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 18, 2026

That section essayed — at the very least — to disqualify from federal office the Civil War rebels and, prospectively, anyone who tried to do the same thing again.

From Slate • Sep. 19, 2023

Meanwhile, dos Santos — with an army of around 100,000 troops, many with years of jungle combat experience — essayed a role as a regional power broker, starting with neighboring countries.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 8, 2022

David Tennant, then BBC's "Doctor Who," essayed the role in 2008 to great acclaim; Jude Law did it a year later to rather less.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 19, 2015

Milt essayed, “We can have it ready in ten days. We’ll deliver it during the day while your husband is at work.”

From "Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?" by Philip K. Dick