Essayist is a term used to describe a writer who produces essays. However, there are several other words that can be used to describe essayists. The first is author, which can be used to describe someone who writes essays along with other forms of literature such as novels, poetry, and memoirs. Another synonym is columnist, which describes a writer who produces essays with a specific focus, such as politics, culture, or lifestyle. A third option is critic, which can be used to describe someone who writes essays that critique and analyze various aspects of culture, society, and the arts. Other synonyms include commentator, analyst, and thinker.