say 1 of 3

verb

ˈsā How to pronounce say (audio)
Definition of saynext
1
as in to tell
to express (a thought or emotion) in words why don't you just say what's on your mind?

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Relevance

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2
as in to express
to convey in appropriate or telling terms I'm not quite sure how to say this, but that's the worst essay I've ever read

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3
as in to recite
to give from memory say your prayers

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in to assume
to take as true or as a fact without actual proof let's say, for the sake of argument, that this is true

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say

2 of 3

adverb

as in about
close to but not exactly a person consumes, say, 2000 calories a day

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

say

3 of 3

noun

as in share
the right to express a wish, choice, or opinion even if they decide otherwise, at least I had my say

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of say
Verb
Ferndale school officials say high school students gained experience through drone filming crews, race-day event management and supervised flight projects. — Dejanay Booth-Singleton, CBS News, 21 Aug. 2026 Papierniak said Arlington Heights is participating in a joint municipal bid with Palatine and Elk Grove Village to procure additional salt for the season. — Steve Zalusky, Chicago Tribune, 21 Aug. 2026
Adverb
The result has been a group of ridiculously talented dancers with a never-say-quit attitude and a lot of stuff to say — and doing it elegantly. — Lauren Warnecke, Chicago Tribune, 29 May 2026
Noun
Detroiters are getting their say on the future of the Renaissance Center and the East Riverfront. — Elaine Rojas-Castillo, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026 Los Angeles members thought the Academy allowed too many people to vote on the Primetime Emmys, arguing that only members working in national programming should have a say. — Michael Schneider, Variety, 18 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for say
Recent Examples of Synonyms for say
  1. tell
  2. express
  3. recite
  4. assume
  5. about
  6. share
  7. talk
  8. phrase
Verb
  • The study of a patient’s urine was an extremely popular practice in the Middle Ages, even though doctors could tell precious little about what was ailing someone just by looking at a sample in a jar.
    — T.M. Brown, CNN Money, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Backstage, Kenny Omega calls the Don Callis Family bullies and tells them to pick any three members to face him and The Young Bucks, who are standing beside Omega, next week.
    — Rob Wolkenbrod, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of tell
Verb
  • The girls also expressed their interest in other music festivals.
    — Laura Sirikul, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2026
  • On cue, China expressed indignation about anti-missile deployments.
    — Arthur I. Cyr, Chicago Tribune, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of express
Verb
  • Bowie allegedly told other users about her oath and shared the audio file of her reciting the pledge with them.
    — Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 20 Aug. 2026
  • The process can take many forms – journaling, reciting the Psalm, YouTubing the Shofar, giving tzedakah, meditating, reading.
    — Risa Polansky Shiman, Sun Sentinel, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of recite
Verb
  • States with higher average benefits would see larger cuts, according to CRFB, whose analysis assumes a 24% across-the-board cut.
    — Lorie Konish, CNBC, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Hayden Heights For years, any number of drivers passing the Hayden Heights Library on White Bear Avenue have assumed the boxy, unadorned 1979 building was some form of warehouse or private office, according to library surveys.
    — Frederick Melo, Twin Cities, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of assume
Adverb
  • Back on the job the morning after the alert was lifted, Isidro threw a rope over an avocado tree about 20 feet (6 meters) high and climbed up.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 16 Aug. 2026
  • At the time of her disappearance, the teen was about five feet tall and weighed approximately 100 pounds.
    — Amanda Musa, CNN Money, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of about
Noun
  • An open conversation where Executive Members can ask Amy and Hilary questions, explore specific topics in more depth, share perspectives, and discuss the opportunities and challenges shaping the longevity tech field.
    — Vogue Business Team, Vogue, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Ten of their 28 wins last term were with a minority share of possession.
    — Liam Tharme, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of share
Verb
  • Instead of speaking only about the Beautiful Game, Eason would talk to Diomandé about his mother, who suffers from long-term health issues, and genuinely cared about the person behind the player.
    — Ben Church, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Founded in 2009, the group has bloomed into a small empire—we’re talking nearly 70 of the South’s favorite restaurants, hotels, bars, and cafes, plus another dozen or so in development—with thoughtful intention.
    — Colleen McNally Arnett, Southern Living, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of talk
Verb
  • It’s designed to interpret intent, so a request doesn’t necessarily have to be phrased as a precise smart home command.
    — Paul Lamkin, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Hafley came up with his point guard comparison months ago after watching film of Sieler repeatedly setting up his teammates for sack or, phrased more appropriately, dishing out assists to his teammates.
    — Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of phrase

Phrases Containing say

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saxophonists
say
sayer
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Cite this Entry

“Say.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/say. Accessed 22 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of say for Spanish Speakers

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