essay 3 synonyms

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Synonyms and antonyms of essay in English

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Lofty ideas, etc. are of a high moral standard.

Trial, judge, and jury: talking about what happens when a criminal is caught

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Thesaurus for Essay

Related terms for essay - synonyms, antonyms and sentences with essay, similar meaning.

• dissertation
• composition
• disquisition

Opposite meaning

• admit defeat
• throw in the sponge
• throw in the towel
• abandon hope
• abstain from
• concede defeat
• desist from
• discontinue

Common usage

• comic verse
• apologetics
• religious text
• inspirational
• autobiography
• academic history
• apocalyptic
• christian literature
• christology

Sentence Examples

Proper usage in context.

• The infant had essayed a few wobbly steps
• About that essay you wrote yesterday
• And a short essay on the theme of the family
• He wrote an essay last year entitled
• I would like an essay entitled

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• 40 Useful Words and Phrases for Top-Notch Essays

To be truly brilliant, an essay needs to utilise the right language. You could make a great point, but if it’s not intelligently articulated, you almost needn’t have bothered.

Developing the language skills to build an argument and to write persuasively is crucial if you’re to write outstanding essays every time. In this article, we’re going to equip you with the words and phrases you need to write a top-notch essay, along with examples of how to utilise them.

It’s by no means an exhaustive list, and there will often be other ways of using the words and phrases we describe that we won’t have room to include, but there should be more than enough below to help you make an instant improvement to your essay-writing skills.

If you’re interested in developing your language and persuasive skills, Oxford Royale offers summer courses at its Oxford Summer School , Cambridge Summer School , London Summer School , San Francisco Summer School and Yale Summer School . You can study courses to learn english , prepare for careers in law , medicine , business , engineering and leadership.

General explaining

Let’s start by looking at language for general explanations of complex points.

1. In order to

Usage: “In order to” can be used to introduce an explanation for the purpose of an argument. Example: “In order to understand X, we need first to understand Y.”

2. In other words

Usage: Use “in other words” when you want to express something in a different way (more simply), to make it easier to understand, or to emphasise or expand on a point. Example: “Frogs are amphibians. In other words, they live on the land and in the water.”

3. To put it another way

Usage: This phrase is another way of saying “in other words”, and can be used in particularly complex points, when you feel that an alternative way of wording a problem may help the reader achieve a better understanding of its significance. Example: “Plants rely on photosynthesis. To put it another way, they will die without the sun.”

4. That is to say

Usage: “That is” and “that is to say” can be used to add further detail to your explanation, or to be more precise. Example: “Whales are mammals. That is to say, they must breathe air.”

5. To that end

Usage: Use “to that end” or “to this end” in a similar way to “in order to” or “so”. Example: “Zoologists have long sought to understand how animals communicate with each other. To that end, a new study has been launched that looks at elephant sounds and their possible meanings.”

Adding additional information to support a point

Students often make the mistake of using synonyms of “and” each time they want to add further information in support of a point they’re making, or to build an argument. Here are some cleverer ways of doing this.

6. Moreover

Usage: Employ “moreover” at the start of a sentence to add extra information in support of a point you’re making. Example: “Moreover, the results of a recent piece of research provide compelling evidence in support of…”

7. Furthermore

Usage:This is also generally used at the start of a sentence, to add extra information. Example: “Furthermore, there is evidence to suggest that…”

8. What’s more

Usage: This is used in the same way as “moreover” and “furthermore”. Example: “What’s more, this isn’t the only evidence that supports this hypothesis.”

9. Likewise

Usage: Use “likewise” when you want to talk about something that agrees with what you’ve just mentioned. Example: “Scholar A believes X. Likewise, Scholar B argues compellingly in favour of this point of view.”

10. Similarly

Usage: Use “similarly” in the same way as “likewise”. Example: “Audiences at the time reacted with shock to Beethoven’s new work, because it was very different to what they were used to. Similarly, we have a tendency to react with surprise to the unfamiliar.”

11. Another key thing to remember

Usage: Use the phrase “another key point to remember” or “another key fact to remember” to introduce additional facts without using the word “also”. Example: “As a Romantic, Blake was a proponent of a closer relationship between humans and nature. Another key point to remember is that Blake was writing during the Industrial Revolution, which had a major impact on the world around him.”

12. As well as

Usage: Use “as well as” instead of “also” or “and”. Example: “Scholar A argued that this was due to X, as well as Y.”

13. Not only… but also

Usage: This wording is used to add an extra piece of information, often something that’s in some way more surprising or unexpected than the first piece of information. Example: “Not only did Edmund Hillary have the honour of being the first to reach the summit of Everest, but he was also appointed Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire.”

14. Coupled with

Usage: Used when considering two or more arguments at a time. Example: “Coupled with the literary evidence, the statistics paint a compelling view of…”

15. Firstly, secondly, thirdly…

Usage: This can be used to structure an argument, presenting facts clearly one after the other. Example: “There are many points in support of this view. Firstly, X. Secondly, Y. And thirdly, Z.

16. Not to mention/to say nothing of

Usage: “Not to mention” and “to say nothing of” can be used to add extra information with a bit of emphasis. Example: “The war caused unprecedented suffering to millions of people, not to mention its impact on the country’s economy.”

Words and phrases for demonstrating contrast

When you’re developing an argument, you will often need to present contrasting or opposing opinions or evidence – “it could show this, but it could also show this”, or “X says this, but Y disagrees”. This section covers words you can use instead of the “but” in these examples, to make your writing sound more intelligent and interesting.

17. However

Usage: Use “however” to introduce a point that disagrees with what you’ve just said. Example: “Scholar A thinks this. However, Scholar B reached a different conclusion.”

18. On the other hand

Usage: Usage of this phrase includes introducing a contrasting interpretation of the same piece of evidence, a different piece of evidence that suggests something else, or an opposing opinion. Example: “The historical evidence appears to suggest a clear-cut situation. On the other hand, the archaeological evidence presents a somewhat less straightforward picture of what happened that day.”

19. Having said that

Usage: Used in a similar manner to “on the other hand” or “but”. Example: “The historians are unanimous in telling us X, an agreement that suggests that this version of events must be an accurate account. Having said that, the archaeology tells a different story.”

20. By contrast/in comparison

Usage: Use “by contrast” or “in comparison” when you’re comparing and contrasting pieces of evidence. Example: “Scholar A’s opinion, then, is based on insufficient evidence. By contrast, Scholar B’s opinion seems more plausible.”

21. Then again

Usage: Use this to cast doubt on an assertion. Example: “Writer A asserts that this was the reason for what happened. Then again, it’s possible that he was being paid to say this.”

22. That said

Usage: This is used in the same way as “then again”. Example: “The evidence ostensibly appears to point to this conclusion. That said, much of the evidence is unreliable at best.”

Usage: Use this when you want to introduce a contrasting idea. Example: “Much of scholarship has focused on this evidence. Yet not everyone agrees that this is the most important aspect of the situation.”

Adding a proviso or acknowledging reservations

Sometimes, you may need to acknowledge a shortfalling in a piece of evidence, or add a proviso. Here are some ways of doing so.

24. Despite this

Usage: Use “despite this” or “in spite of this” when you want to outline a point that stands regardless of a shortfalling in the evidence. Example: “The sample size was small, but the results were important despite this.”

25. With this in mind

Usage: Use this when you want your reader to consider a point in the knowledge of something else. Example: “We’ve seen that the methods used in the 19th century study did not always live up to the rigorous standards expected in scientific research today, which makes it difficult to draw definite conclusions. With this in mind, let’s look at a more recent study to see how the results compare.”

26. Provided that

Usage: This means “on condition that”. You can also say “providing that” or just “providing” to mean the same thing. Example: “We may use this as evidence to support our argument, provided that we bear in mind the limitations of the methods used to obtain it.”

27. In view of/in light of

Usage: These phrases are used when something has shed light on something else. Example: “In light of the evidence from the 2013 study, we have a better understanding of…”

28. Nonetheless

Usage: This is similar to “despite this”. Example: “The study had its limitations, but it was nonetheless groundbreaking for its day.”

29. Nevertheless

Usage: This is the same as “nonetheless”. Example: “The study was flawed, but it was important nevertheless.”

30. Notwithstanding

Usage: This is another way of saying “nonetheless”. Example: “Notwithstanding the limitations of the methodology used, it was an important study in the development of how we view the workings of the human mind.”

Giving examples

Good essays always back up points with examples, but it’s going to get boring if you use the expression “for example” every time. Here are a couple of other ways of saying the same thing.

31. For instance

Example: “Some birds migrate to avoid harsher winter climates. Swallows, for instance, leave the UK in early winter and fly south…”

32. To give an illustration

Example: “To give an illustration of what I mean, let’s look at the case of…”

Signifying importance

When you want to demonstrate that a point is particularly important, there are several ways of highlighting it as such.

33. Significantly

Usage: Used to introduce a point that is loaded with meaning that might not be immediately apparent. Example: “Significantly, Tacitus omits to tell us the kind of gossip prevalent in Suetonius’ accounts of the same period.”

34. Notably

Usage: This can be used to mean “significantly” (as above), and it can also be used interchangeably with “in particular” (the example below demonstrates the first of these ways of using it). Example: “Actual figures are notably absent from Scholar A’s analysis.”

35. Importantly

Usage: Use “importantly” interchangeably with “significantly”. Example: “Importantly, Scholar A was being employed by X when he wrote this work, and was presumably therefore under pressure to portray the situation more favourably than he perhaps might otherwise have done.”

Summarising

You’ve almost made it to the end of the essay, but your work isn’t over yet. You need to end by wrapping up everything you’ve talked about, showing that you’ve considered the arguments on both sides and reached the most likely conclusion. Here are some words and phrases to help you.

36. In conclusion

Usage: Typically used to introduce the concluding paragraph or sentence of an essay, summarising what you’ve discussed in a broad overview. Example: “In conclusion, the evidence points almost exclusively to Argument A.”

37. Above all

Usage: Used to signify what you believe to be the most significant point, and the main takeaway from the essay. Example: “Above all, it seems pertinent to remember that…”

38. Persuasive

Usage: This is a useful word to use when summarising which argument you find most convincing. Example: “Scholar A’s point – that Constanze Mozart was motivated by financial gain – seems to me to be the most persuasive argument for her actions following Mozart’s death.”

39. Compelling

Usage: Use in the same way as “persuasive” above. Example: “The most compelling argument is presented by Scholar A.”

40. All things considered

Usage: This means “taking everything into account”. Example: “All things considered, it seems reasonable to assume that…”

How many of these words and phrases will you get into your next essay? And are any of your favourite essay terms missing from our list? Let us know in the comments below, or get in touch here to find out more about courses that can help you with your essays.

At Oxford Royale Academy, we offer a number of  summer school courses for young people who are keen to improve their essay writing skills. Click here to apply for one of our courses today, including law , business , medicine  and engineering .

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  Vocabulary      

What is another word for essay ?

Synonyms for essay ˈɛs eɪ or, for 3,5 , ɛˈseɪ; ɛˈseɪ es·say, this thesaurus page includes all potential synonyms, words with the same meaning and similar terms for the word essay ., english synonyms and antonyms rate these synonyms: 2.7 / 3 votes.

To attempt is to take action somewhat experimentally with the hope and purpose of accomplishing a certain result; to endeavor is to attempt strenuously and with firm and enduring purpose. To attempt expresses a single act; to endeavor , a continuous exertion; we say I will endeavor (not I will attempt ) while I live. To attempt is with the view of accomplishing; to essay , with a view of testing our own powers. To undertake is to accept or take upon oneself as an obligation, as some business, labor, or trust; the word often implies complete assurance of success; as, I will undertake to produce the witness. To strive suggests little of the result, much of toil, strain, and contest, in seeking it; I will strive to fulfil your wishes, i. e. , I will spare no labor and exertion to do it. Try is the most comprehensive of these words. The original idea of testing or experimenting is not thought of when a man says "I will try ." To attempt suggests giving up, if the thing is not accomplished at a stroke; to try implies using other means and studying out other ways if not at first successful. Endeavor is more mild and formal; the pilot in the burning pilot-house does not say "I will endeavor " or "I will attempt to hold the ship to her course," but "I'll try , sir!"

Synonyms: attempt , endeavor , endeavor , strive , try , undertake

Antonyms: abandon , dismiss , drop , give up , let go , neglect , omit , overlook , pass by , throw away , throw over , throw up

Princeton's WordNet Rate these synonyms: 1.0 / 2 votes

an analytic or interpretive literary composition

a tentative attempt

try, seek, attempt, essay, assay verb

make an effort or attempt

"He tried to shake off his fears"; "The infant had essayed a few wobbly steps"; "The police attempted to stop the thief"; "He sought to improve himself"; "She always seeks to do good in the world"

Synonyms: attempt , examine , search , stress , adjudicate , strain , seek , look for , assay , try out , try , prove , test , try on , taste , hear , set about , undertake , sample , judge , render

test, prove, try, try out, examine, essay verb

put to the test, as for its quality, or give experimental use to

"This approach has been tried with good results"; "Test this recipe"

Synonyms: audition , rise , analyze , leaven , try , sample , show , testify , establish , test , evidence , try out , study , examine , see , seek , try on , probe , quiz , attempt , raise , adjudicate , render , prove , shew , judge , screen , taste , turn out , demonstrate , turn up , experiment , strain , analyse , stress , hear , canvass , assay , canvas , bear witness

Matched Categories

Editors contribution rate these synonyms: 0.0 / 0 votes.

piece of writing

write an essay of a students

Dictionary of English Synonymes Rate these synonyms: 0.0 / 0 votes

Synonyms: attempt , try , endeavor

Synonyms: attempt , trial , endeavor , effort , struggle , aim

Synonyms: tract , dissertation , treatise , disquisition , brief discourse

Synonyms, Antonyms & Associated Words Rate these synonyms: 0.0 / 0 votes

Synonyms: dissertation , article , disquisition , thesis , attempt , effort , trial

PPDB, the paraphrase database Rate these paraphrases: 1.0 / 1 vote

List of paraphrases for "essay":

dissertation , test , trial , drafting , composition , testing

How to pronounce essay?

How to say essay in sign language, usage in printed sources from:  .

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Words popularity by usage frequency

How to use essay in a sentence?

Dan Gainor :

Can you imagine The New York Times running an essay where a white woman complains about how African-American men are rude and then blames it on race? The paper and the author would be skewered, the left's new default is that white people are doing wrong at every turn -- even walking down the street.

Marya Mannes :

But the silly male fool is often unaware of how much a look,a touch, a word can hold for a woman.Nor does he seem to have any idea at all of the degree to which their absence can make her cross,resentful ,tiresome." This is from her essay "The Power Men have over Women

Roger McNamee :

By draping his essay in the guise of cooperation, Zuckerberg hopes to distract policy makers from the real threat, their code and algorithms influence our daily lives in ways far more intrusive than democratic governments or the law. No one elected these companies and they refuse to be held accountable.

Jim Wallace :

It is absurd that people should have to write an essay to the town to explain why they should be able to exercise their constitutional rights, we already have a very strict set of gun laws in the state, but this is way over the top.

It’s like having a college professor say, ‘I’m going to read your essay and if I don’t like it, I’m going to give it back to you,’.

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• essayer noun
• essayist noun
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'; audChoice = audChoice.replace(/ selected=["']selected["']/gm, '');var audT = document.getElementById('audT');if ((audT) && (audPref)) { //Parse the content if(audPref.indexOf(':') > -1) { var audPrefAccent = audPref.split(':')[0]; var playbackRate = audPref.split(':')[1]; } else { var audPrefAccent = audPref; var playbackRate = 1; } var re = new RegExp('( UK and possibly other pronunciationsUK and possibly other pronunciations/ˈɛseɪ/ USA pronunciation: IPA/ ˈɛseɪ , ɛˈseɪ; ɛˈseɪ/ US:USA pronunciation: respellingUSA pronunciation: respelling( es ā , ; es ā, e sā – ; v. e sā ) | | | | | | WordReference English Thesaurus © 2024 Noun: piece of writing , piece , article , writing , composition , paper , theme , exposition, dissertation , thesis , editorial, column , opinion piece, study , review , critique, literature , research paper, first draft Noun: effort - formal , attempt , effort , try , go , shot , stab , whack , crack , pass , bid , endeavor , endeavour (UK), road-test Verb: attempt - formal , attempt , endeavor , endeavour (UK), undertake , take on, have a go, give it a go, make an effort, try your hand at, take a shot at (informal), take a stab at (informal), take a whack at (informal), take a crack at (informal), give it a whirl (informal), strive for, make an attempt at - English Only forum - English Only forum - English Only forum - English Only forum - English Only forum - English Only forum - English Only forum - English Only forum - English Only forum - English Only forum - English Only forum - English Only forum - English Only forum - English Only forum - English Only forum - English Only forum - English Only forum - English Only forum - English Only forum - English Only forum - English Only forum - English Only forum - English Only forum - English Only forum - English Only forum - English Only forum - English Only forum - English Only forum - English Only forum - English Only forum Go to page and choose from different actions for taps or mouse clicks. Translations: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |

Advertisements Advertisements use for the fastest search of WordReference. © 2024 WordReference.com any problems. 12 Alternatives to “Firstly, Secondly, Thirdly” in an Essay Essays are hard enough to get right without constantly worrying about introducing new points of discussion. You might have tried using “firstly, secondly, thirdly” in an essay, but are there better alternatives out there? This article will explore some synonyms to give you other ways to say “firstly, secondly, thirdly” in academic writing. Can I Say “Firstly, Secondly, Thirdly”? You can not say “firstly, secondly, thirdly” in academic writing. It sounds jarring to most readers, so you’re better off using “first, second, third” (removing the -ly suffix). Technically, it is correct to say “firstly, secondly, thirdly.” You could even go on to say “fourthly” and “fifthly” when making further points. However, none of these words have a place in formal writing and essays. Still, these examples will show you how to use all three of them: Firstly , I would like to touch on why this is problematic behavior. Secondly , we need to discuss the solutions to make it better. Thirdly , I will finalize the discussion and determine the best course of action. It allows you to enumerate your points. It’s easy to follow for a reader. It’s very informal. There’s no reason to add the “-ly” suffix. Clearly, “firstly, secondly, thirdly” are not appropriate in essays. Therefore, it’s best to have a few alternatives ready to go. Keep reading to learn the best synonyms showing you what to use instead of “firstly, secondly, thirdly.” Then, we’ll provide examples for each as well. What to Say Instead of “Firstly, Secondly, Thirdly” First of all One reason is Continuing on In addition 1. First of All “First of all” is a great way to replace “firstly” at the start of a list . We recommend using it to show that you have more points to make. Usually, it implies you start with the most important point . Here are some examples to show you how it works: First of all , I would like to draw your attention to the issues in question. Then, it’s important that we discuss what comes next. Finally, you should know that we’re going to work out the best solution. 2. To Begin Another great way to start an essay or sentence is “to begin.” It shows that you’re beginning on one point and willing to move on to other important ones. It’s up to you to decide which phrases come after “to begin.” As long as there’s a clear way for the reader to follow along , you’re all good. These examples will also help you with it: To begin , we should decide which variables will be the most appropriate for it. After that, it’s worth exploring the alternatives to see which one works best. In conclusion, I will decide whether there are any more appropriate options available. “First” is much better than “firstly” in every written situation. You can include it in academic writing because it is more concise and professional . Also, it’s somewhat more effective than “first of all” (the first synonym). It’s much easier to use one word to start a list. Naturally, “second” and “third” can follow when listing items in this way. Here are a few examples to help you understand it: First , you should know that I have explored all the relevant options to help us. Second, there has to be a more efficient protocol. Third, I would like to decide on a better task-completion method. 4. One Reason Is You may also use “one reason is” to start a discussion that includes multiple points . Generally, you would follow it up with “another reason is” and “the final reason is.” It’s a more streamlined alternative to “firstly, secondly, thirdly.” So, we recommend using it when you want to clearly discuss all points involved in a situation. This essay sample will help you understand more about it: One reason is that it makes more sense to explore these options together. Another reason comes from being able to understand each other’s instincts. The final reason is related to knowing what you want and how to get it. “Second” is a great follow-on from “first.” Again, it’s better than writing “secondly” because it sounds more formal and is acceptable in most essays. We highly recommend using “second” after you’ve started a list with “first.” It allows you to cover the second point in a list without having to explain the flow to the reader. Check out the following examples to help you: First, you should consider the answer before we get there. Second , your answer will be questioned and discussed to determine both sides. Third, you will have a new, unbiased opinion based on the previous discussion. 6. Continuing On You can use “continuing on” as a follow-up to most introductory points in a list. It works well after something like “to begin,” as it shows that you’re continuing the list reasonably and clearly. Perhaps these examples will shed some light on it: To begin, there needs to be a clear example of how this should work. Continuing on , I will look into other options to keep the experiment fair. Finally, the result will reveal itself, making it clear whether my idea worked. Generally, “next” is one of the most versatile options to continue a list . You can include it after almost any introductory phrase (like “first,” “to begin,” or “one reason is”). It’s great to include in essays, but be careful with it. It can become too repetitive if you say “next” too many times. Try to limit how many times you include it in your lists to keep your essay interesting. Check out the following examples if you’re still unsure: To start, it’s wise to validate the method to ensure there were no initial errors. Next , I think exploring alternatives is important, as you never know which is most effective. Then, you can touch on new ideas that might help. One of the most effective and versatile words to include in a list is “then.” It works at any stage during the list (after the first stage, of course). So, it’s worth including it when you want to continue talking about something. For instance: First of all, the discussion about rights was necessary. Then , it was important to determine whether we agreed or not. After that, we had to convince the rest of the team to come to our way of thinking. 9. In Addition Making additions to your essays allows the reader to easily follow your lists. We recommend using “in addition” as the second (or third) option in a list . It’s a great one to include after any list opener. It shows that you’ve got something specific to add that’s worth mentioning. These essay samples should help you understand it better: First, it’s important that we iron out any of the problems we had before. In addition , it’s clear that we have to move on to more sustainable options. Then, we can figure out the costs behind each option. Naturally, “third” is the next in line when following “first” and “second.” Again, it’s more effective than “thirdly,” making it a much more suitable option in essays. We recommend using it to make your third (and often final) point. It’s a great way to close a list , allowing you to finalize your discussion. The reader will appreciate your clarity when using “third” to list three items. Here are some examples to demonstrate how it works: First, you need to understand the basics of the mechanism. Second, I will teach you how to change most fundamentals. Third , you will build your own mechanism with the knowledge you’ve gained. 11. Finally “Finally” is an excellent way to close a list in an essay . It’s very final (hence the name) and shows that you have no more points to list . Generally, “finally” allows you to explain the most important part of the list. “Finally” generally means you are touching on something that’s more important than everything that came before it. For example: First, thank you for reading my essay, as it will help me determine if I’m on to something. Next, I would like to start working on this immediately to see what I can learn. Finally , you will learn for yourself what it takes to complete a task like this. 12. To Wrap Up Readers like closure. They will always look for ways to wrap up plot points and lists. So, “to wrap up” is a great phrase to include in your academic writing . It shows that you are concluding a list , regardless of how many points came before it. Generally, “to wrap up” covers everything you’ve been through previously to ensure the reader follows everything you said. To start with, I requested that we change venues to ensure optimal conditions. Following that, we moved on to the variables that might have the biggest impact. To wrap up , the experiment went as well as could be expected, with a few minor issues. 10 Professional Ways to Say “I Appreciate It” 10 Ways to Ask if Someone Received Your Email 9 Other Ways to Say “I Look Forward to Speaking With You” How to Write a Thank-You Email to Your Professor (Samples) We are a team of dedicated English teachers. Our mission is to help you create a professional impression toward colleagues, clients, and executives. © EnglishRecap We use cookies to provide our clients with the best possible experience. If You continue to use this site, you agree with our cookie policy. Read more » Academic Guidance Essay Examples Essay Topics How To Write Other Articles Research and Sources Synonym Explorations Writing Tips Synonyms for “Essay” The term “Essay” is deeply rooted in the literary and academic arena, often denoting a short piece of writing on a particular subject. Originating from the French word ‘essayer’, meaning ‘to try’ or ‘to attempt’, an essay is an endeavor to express thoughts, arguments, or narratives in a structured manner. Over time, it has evolved into a popular form of writing, with several synonymous terms and types. General Synonyms for “Essay” Beyond academic precincts, the word essay resonates with various undertones depending on the context: Composition Synonyms for “Essay” in Academic Writing In academia, essays are a staple, reflecting deep introspection, research, or exploration: Dissertation Detailed Synonyms: Definitions and Examples Delving deeper, let’s explore these synonyms, accentuated with definitions and illustrative examples: Synonym Definition Example Article A piece of writing about a particular subject for publication. “She wrote an about the impacts of climate change.” Composition A creative, interpretative, or scholarly literary form. “The student’s on Renaissance art was commendable.” Write-up A written account, in particular a newspaper article or piece of criticism. “The movie received a positive in the local paper.” Piece A written, musical, or artistic creation. “Her on urban landscapes won accolades.” Study A detailed investigation and analysis of a subject or situation. “His comprehensive on marine life is used as a reference worldwide.” “The essay is a literary device for saying almost everything about almost anything.” – Aldous Huxley The “Essay”, with its myriad forms and connotations, remains a primary medium for individuals to articulate, elucidate, and convey their thoughts. Ranging from personal narratives to critical analyses, essays facilitate the seamless flow of ideas, fostering deeper understanding and appreciation of myriad subjects. Place an order About Writology How it Works Buy Custom Essays Nursing Writing Services Do My Assignment Buy a Letter of Recommendation Buy Research Papers More from M-W To save this word, you'll need to log in. Log In Definition of essay  (Entry 1 of 2) Definition of essay  (Entry 2 of 2) transitive verb composition attempt , try , endeavor , essay , strive mean to make an effort to accomplish an end. attempt stresses the initiation or beginning of an effort. try is often close to attempt but may stress effort or experiment made in the hope of testing or proving something. endeavor heightens the implications of exertion and difficulty. essay implies difficulty but also suggests tentative trying or experimenting. strive implies great exertion against great difficulty and specifically suggests persistent effort. Examples of essay in a Sentence These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'essay.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples. Word History Middle French essai , ultimately from Late Latin exagium act of weighing, from Latin ex- + agere to drive — more at agent 14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 4 14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2 Phrases Containing essay essay question photo - essay Articles Related to essay To 'Essay' or 'Assay'? You'll know the difference if you give it the old college essay Dictionary Entries Near essay Cite this entry. “Essay.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary , Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/essay. Accessed 24 Aug. 2024. Kids Definition Kids definition of essay. Kids Definition of essay  (Entry 2 of 2) More from Merriam-Webster on essay Nglish: Translation of essay for Spanish Speakers Britannica English: Translation of essay for Arabic Speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about essay Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free! Can you solve 4 words at once? Word of the day. See Definitions and Examples » Get Word of the Day daily email! Popular in Grammar & Usage Plural and possessive names: a guide, 31 useful rhetorical devices, more commonly misspelled words, absent letters that are heard anyway, how to use accents and diacritical marks, popular in wordplay, 8 words for lesser-known musical instruments, it's a scorcher words for the summer heat, 7 shakespearean insults to make life more interesting, 10 words from taylor swift songs (merriam's version), 9 superb owl words, games & quizzes. Refine Your Final Word With 10 Alternatives To “In Conclusion” Alternatives To In Conclusion Wrapping up a presentation or a paper can be deceptively difficult. It seems like it should be easy—after all, your goal is to summarize the ideas you’ve already presented and possibly make a call to action. You don’t have to find new information; you just have to share what you already know. Here’s where it gets tricky, though. Oftentimes, it turns out that the hardest part about writing a good conclusion is avoiding repetition. That’s where we can help, at least a little bit. When it comes to using a transition word or phrase to kick off your conclusion, the phrase in conclusion is frequently overused. It’s easy to understand why—it is straightforward. But there are far more interesting and attention-grabbing words and phrases you can use in your papers and speeches to signal that you have reached the end. One of the simplest  synonyms  of in conclusion is  in summary .  This transition phrase signals that you are going to briefly state the main idea or conclusion of your research. Like  in conclusion , it is formal enough to be used both when writing an academic paper and when giving a presentation. In summary,  despite multiple experimental designs, the research remains inconclusive. In summary , there is currently unprecedented interest in our new products. A less formal version of  in summary  is  to sum up . While this phrase expresses the same idea, it's more commonly found in oral presentations rather than written papers in this use. To sum up,  we have only begun to discover the possible applications of this finding. let's review or to review A conclusion doesn't simply review the main idea or argument of a presentation. In some cases, a conclusion includes a more complete assessment of the evidence presented. For example, in some cases, you might choose to briefly review the chain of logic of an argument to demonstrate how you reached your conclusion. In these instances, the expressions  let's review  or  to review  are good signposts. The transition phrases  let's review  and  to review  are most often used in spoken presentations, not in written papers. Unlike the other examples we have looked at,  let's review  is a complete sentence on its own. Let's review.  First, he tricked the guard. Then, he escaped out the front door. To review:  we developed a special kind of soil, and then we planted the seeds in it. A classy alternative to in conclusion , both in papers and presentations, is in closing . It is a somewhat formal expression, without being flowery. This transition phrase is especially useful for the last or penultimate sentence of a conclusion. It is a good way to signal that you are nearly at the bitter end of your essay or speech. A particularly common way to use in closing is to signal in an argumentative piece that you are about to give your call to action (what you want your audience to do). In closing, we should all do more to help save the rainforest. In closing, I urge all parties to consider alternative solutions such as the ones I have presented. in a nutshell The expression in a nutshell is a cute and informal metaphor used to indicate that you are about to give a short summary. (Imagine you're taking all of the information and shrinking it down so it can fit in a nutshell.) It's appropriate to use in a nutshell both in writing and in speeches, but it should be avoided in contexts where you're expected to use a serious, formal register . In a nutshell, the life of this artist was one of great triumph and great sadness. In a nutshell, the company spent too much money and failed to turn a profit. The expression in a nutshell can also be used to signal you've reached the end of a summarized story or argument that you are relating orally, as in "That's the whole story, in a nutshell." [To make a] long story short Another informal expression that signals you're about to give a short summary is to make a long story short , sometimes abbreviated to simply long story short. The implication of this expression is that a lengthy saga has been cut down to just the most important facts. (Not uncommonly, long story short is used ironically to indicate that a story has, in fact, been far too long and detailed.) Because it is so casual, long story short is most often found in presentations rather than written papers. Either the full expression or the shortened version are appropriate, as long as there isn't an expectation that you be formal with your language. Long story short, the explorers were never able to find the Northwest Passage. To make a long story short, our assessments have found that there is a large crack in the foundation. If using a transitional expression doesn't appeal to you, and you would rather stick to a straightforward transition word, you have quite a few options. We are going to cover a couple of the transition words you may choose to use to signal you are wrapping up, either when giving a presentation or writing a paper. The first term we are going to look at is ultimately . Ultimately is an adverb that means "in the end; at last; finally." Typically, you will want to use it in the first or last sentence of your conclusion. Like in closing , it is particularly effective at signaling a call to action. Ultimately, each and every single person has a responsibility to care about this issue. Ultimately, the army beat a hasty retreat and the war was over. Another transition word that is good for conclusions is lastly , an adverb meaning "in conclusion; in the last place; finally." Lastly can be used in informational or argumentative essays or speeches. It is a way to signal that you are about to provide the last point in your summary or argument. The word lastly is most often used in the first or last sentence of a conclusion. Lastly, I would like to thank the members of the committee and all of you for being such a gracious audience. Lastly, it must be noted that the institution has not been able to address these many complaints adequately. The word overall is particularly good for summing up an idea or argument as part of your conclusion. Meaning "covering or including everything," overall is a bit like a formal synonym for "in a nutshell." Unlike the other examples we have looked at in this slideshow, it is not unusual for overall to be found at the end of a sentence, rather than only at the beginning. Overall, we were very pleased with the results of our experiment. The findings of our study indicate that there is a lot of dissatisfaction with internet providers overall. asking questions Using traditional language like the options we have outlined so far is not your only choice when it comes to crafting a strong conclusion. If you are writing an argumentative essay or speech, you might also choose to end with one or a short series of open-ended or leading questions. These function as a creative call to action and leave the audience thinking about the arguments you have made. In many cases, these questions begin with a WH-word , such as who or what. The specifics will vary spending on the argument being made, but here are a few general examples: When it comes to keeping our oceans clean, shouldn't we be doing more? Who is ultimately responsible for these terrible mistakes? on a final note Before we wrap up, we want to leave you with one last alternative for in conclusion . The expression on a final note signals that you are about to give your final point or argument. On a final note is formal enough to be used both in writing and in speeches. In fact, it can be used in a speech as a natural way to transition to your final thank yous. On a final note, thank you for your time and attention. On a final note, you can find more synonyms for in conclusion here. The next time you are working on a conclusion and find yourself stuck for inspiration, try out some of these expressions. After all, there is always more than one way to write an ending. No matter how you wrap up your project, keep in mind there are some rules you don't always have to follow! Let's look at them here. Ways To Say Synonym of the day 175 IMAGES 20 Synonyms for Essay related to Document 50 Examples of Synonyms With Sentences DIFFERENT Synonym: List of 100+ Useful Synonyms for Different IMPORTANT Synonym: List of 24 Synonyms for Important with Examples 100 Examples of Synonyms With Sentences 30-advanced-synonyms-for-essay-writing COMMENTS ESSAY Synonyms: 76 Similar and Opposite Words Synonyms for ESSAY: article, paper, dissertation, theme, thesis, composition, treatise, editorial; Antonyms of ESSAY: quit, drop, give up 80 Synonyms & Antonyms for ESSAY Find 80 different ways to say ESSAY, along with antonyms, related words, and example sentences at Thesaurus.com. What is another word for essay? Synonyms for essay include article, dissertation, paper, treatise, thesis, discourse, study, composition, critique and exposition. Find more similar words at ... Essay synonyms Another way to say Essay? Synonyms for Essay (other words and phrases for Essay). ESSAY ESSAY - Synonyms, related words and examples | Cambridge English Thesaurus ESSAY Synonyms Synonyms for ESSAY in English: composition, study, paper, article, piece, assignment, discourse, tract, treatise, dissertation, … ESSAY in Thesaurus: 1000+ Synonyms & Antonyms for ESSAY Most related words/phrases with sentence examples define Essay meaning and usage. Thesaurus for Essay. Related terms for essay- synonyms, antonyms and sentences with essay. Lists. synonyms. antonyms. definitions. sentences. thesaurus. Parts of speech. verbs. nouns. adjectives. Synonyms Similar meaning. View all. attempt. ESSAYS Synonyms: 76 Similar and Opposite Words Synonyms for ESSAYS: articles, papers, themes, dissertations, editorials, treatises, commentaries, compositions; Antonyms of ESSAYS: drops, gives up, quits Synonyms of ESSAY Synonyms for ESSAY: composition, article, discourse, dissertation, paper, piece, tract, treatise, attempt, aim, … (3) Essay Synonyms and Antonyms Synonyms for ESSAY: composition, theme, article, paper, piece, assay, proof, test, trial, tryout, attempt, effort, trial, endeavor, try, dissertation; Antonyms for ... 40 Useful Words and Phrases for Top-Notch Essays 4. That is to say. Usage: "That is" and "that is to say" can be used to add further detail to your explanation, or to be more precise. Example: "Whales are mammals. That is to say, they must breathe air.". 5. To that end. Usage: Use "to that end" or "to this end" in a similar way to "in order to" or "so". Essay Synonyms & Antonyms Synonyms for essay ˈɛs eɪ or, for 3,5 , ɛˈseɪ; ɛˈseɪ es·say This thesaurus page includes all potential synonyms, words with the same meaning and similar terms for the word essay . Synonyms and Antonyms of Words Thesaurus.com is more than just a website for finding synonyms and antonyms of words. It is a comprehensive online resource that helps you improve your vocabulary, writing, and communication skills. Whether you need a word of the day, a synonym for a common term, or an example sentence to illustrate your point, Thesaurus.com has it all. Synonym: Definition and Examples A synonym is a word that has the same meaning as another word (or nearly the same meaning). For example, beautiful and attractive are synonyms of each other because they both refer to someone or something that looks good. Synonyms are a common part of every language, but they're especially useful when writing, whether you're writing a novel or a work email. Thesaurus by Merriam-Webster: Find Synonyms, Similar Words, and Antonyms Browse the Thesaurus. Make your writing more precise and effective with the Merriam-Webster Thesaurus. Our unique ranking system helps you find the right word fast—from millions of synonyms, similar words, and antonyms. An indispensable English language reference. Synonyms of ESSAY Synonyms of 'essay' in British English. essay. 1 (noun) in the sense of composition. Definition. a short piece of writing on a subject done as an exercise by a student. He was asked to write an essay about his home town. Synonyms. composition. Write a composition on the subject `What I Did on My Holidays'. essay essay - WordReference thesaurus: synonyms, discussion and more. All Free. 12 Alternatives to "Firstly, Secondly, Thirdly" in an Essay 4. One Reason Is. You may also use "one reason is" to start a discussion that includes multiple points. Generally, you would follow it up with "another reason is" and "the final reason is.". It's a more streamlined alternative to "firstly, secondly, thirdly.". Synonyms for "Essay" A creative, interpretative, or scholarly literary form. "The student's composition on Renaissance art was commendable.". A written account, in particular a newspaper article or piece of criticism. "The movie received a positive write-up in the local paper.". A written, musical, or artistic creation. Paraphrasing Tool (Ad-Free and No Sign-up Required) Our Paraphraser is free to use. You can rephrase up to 125 words at a time, as many times as you'd like. There are no daily limits on free paraphrases. We also offer two free modes: Standard and Fluency. If you'd like to paraphrase more text at once and unlock additional modes, check out QuillBot Premium. Premium offers you unlimited inputs ... Essay Definition & Meaning The meaning of ESSAY is an analytic or interpretative literary composition usually dealing with its subject from a limited or personal point of view. How to use essay in a sentence. Synonym Discussion of Essay. Collins Thesaurus Online English Thesaurus from Collins: More than 500,000 synonyms and antonyms - With definitions, meanings, phrases, and examples. 10 Phrases To Use Instead Of "In Conclusion" Concluding your paper or presentation can feel redundant if you always say "in conclusion." These alternatives will help you end your project with style. assignment essay homework paper report resume review speech thesis