essays

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.

To celebrate the semiquincentennial this July 4, read a selection of essays from the Journal’s ‘Masterpiece’ column highlighting the artistry of monuments, paintings, books and more related to our country’s founding ideals.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jul. 3, 2026

I also use “The Moth: Storytelling” podcast when students are working on personal essays.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 1, 2026

He contributed three essays to her 1966 anthology “Capitalism: The Unknown Ideal.”

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 25, 2026

Artificial intelligence systems can write essays, answer questions, and solve complex problems.

From Science Daily • Jun. 10, 2026

What were they supposed to tell the record numbers of applicants who had been rejected—the ones with straight As, enthusiastic recommendations, polished essays, and long lists of activities?

From "Geeks: How Two Lost Boys Rode the Internet Out of Idaho" by Jon Katz