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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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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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
If the show is now being repositioned as just for people who are fresh out of design school or who have made just one or two gowns before (like, cough, our beloved Jude), then say that. — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026 On her final day, a report said she was asked to join The View. — Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 28 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
But like it or not, the Islamic Republic gets a say in what happens next in Iran. — Nate Swanson, Foreign Affairs, 25 Aug. 2026 Any agreement would need to be approved by all current EU member nations and then voters in Iceland would have the final say on whether to join. — ABC News, 24 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 referendum campaign has fueled debate about Iceland’s place in the world, Prime Minister Kristrun Frostadottir told reporters after casting her ballot in ​the capital on Saturday.
    — Reuters, NBC news, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Indrika Ratwatte, the acting assistant secretary-general for humanitarian affairs, told the Security Council that the Kenscoff attack forced more than 2,600 people to flee their homes, many for the second or third time.
    — Evens Sanon, Los Angeles Times, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of tell
Verb
  • Rapper Eminem expressed his admiration and sorrow at never getting to meet her.
    — Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Some Black shoppers, who felt alienated after Target’s 2025 DEI rollbacks, expressed fresh disappointment on Monday.
    — Reuters, CNN Money, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of express
Verb
  • Critics lacking a serious investment in women’s basketball can conveniently swoop in to recite their spiel, and pay no attention to the sport itself.
    — Jemele Hill, The Atlantic, 21 Aug. 2026
  • 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
Definition of recite
Verb
  • Goldman’s model assumes SMIC will add between 30,000 and 50,000 advanced-node wafers in monthly capacity each year from 2026 through 2031.
    — Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Golden Tempo, meanwhile, assumed his position near the back of the field as his deep closing style has delivered huge glory in the past.
    — Danny Brewer, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of assume
Adverb
  • The cutting should root in about a month and will require several hours of direct sunlight or a grow light each day to last through winter.
    — Alexandra Jones, The Spruce, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Winner had a choice Johnson lives in Goldston and has taught middle school for about 20 years.
    — Joe Marusak, Charlotte Observer, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of about
Noun
  • The company attributed the loss mainly to fair-value losses on its convertible redeemable preferred shares, as per its prospectus.
    — Jenny Lee, CNBC, 1 Sep. 2026
  • The region typically receives a significant share of its rainfall during this time of year, Weiss said.
    — Janet Loehrke, USA Today, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of share
Verb
  • Fleming by body camera footage, approached Parker, who was talking on his cellphone.
    — Daniel McFadin, Arkansas Online, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Maybe a family watches a favorite performer together, while nearby strangers start talking because someone forgot sunscreen and their friend packed enough for six people.
    — Svetlana Khachiyan, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of talk
Verb
  • That term has taken on a life of its own, as people are making dances to phrase and using it in conversation.
    — Moises Mendez II, USA Today, 21 Aug. 2026
  • 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
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 1 Sep. 2026.

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