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Definitions

essay

[es-ey, es-ey, e-sey, e-sey] / ˈɛs eɪ, ˈɛs eɪ, ɛˈseɪ, ɛˈseɪ /
NOUN
written discourse
Synonyms
STRONGEST
article discussion dissertation manuscript paper piece study thesis treatise
STRONG
composition disquisition explication exposition theme tract
Antonyms
WEAK
idleness pass
NOUN
try, attempt
Synonyms
STRONG
aim bid effort endeavor exertion experiment hassle labor shot striving struggle test toil travail trial tryout undertaking venture whack work
WEAK
dry run one's all one's level best try on
Antonyms
STRONG
entertainment fun idleness laziness pastime peace
WEAK
pass
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.

“It is not desirable to cultivate a respect for the law, so much as for the right,” he wrote External link in Resistance to Civil Government, the essay known as Civil Disobedience.

From Barron's • Apr. 14, 2026

Two hundred fifty years ago, the “truths” Thomas Jefferson laid out in the Declaration of Independence were not yet “self-evident,” as Elaine Pagels pointed out in a recent essay.

From Salon • Apr. 8, 2026

In a recent essay in the Journal of Democracy, Mr. Shah of McDaniel College outlines the field marshal’s actions that have helped consolidate military dominance.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 8, 2026

Then came his 1849 essay, later read by people like Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 6, 2026

I don’t like the way I ended that essay, so I’m not sure I care if anyone else is impressed with it.

From "Keeping Pace" by Laurie Morrison

Vocabulary lists containing essay

PARCC: Language of the Test (Grade7)

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Jim Burke's Academic Vocabulary List

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TEKS ELAR Academic Vocabulary List (5th-7th grades)

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!