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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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
Still, Wingate said, people do turn to AI with moral, ethical and religious questions. — Marc Ramirez, USA Today, 3 July 2026 The other fighters and coaches celebrate his successes, said the gym owner, Roger Krahl. — Natasha Holt, FOXNews.com, 3 July 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
The commissioners, who have final say, will consider the rezonings at a meeting to be announced. — Joe Marusak june 27, Charlotte Observer, 27 June 2026 Washington and Tehran differ over whether Iran has a say in which vessels can cross the crucial waterway and when, leading to flare-ups. — Victoria Craw, Washington Post, 27 June 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
  • During Murdaugh’s first status hearing on Monday, June 29, Judge Debra McCaslin did not rule on the DNA evidence, telling defense attorneys to clarify if the sample was viable.
    — Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, FOXNews.com, 5 July 2026
  • My parents tell stories about me sleeping through loud construction, alarms, and heavy knocks on my bedroom door.
    — Better Homes & Gardens, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 July 2026
Definition of tell
Verb
  • Witnesses expressed shock over the incident, with one man arriving to his Walmart to shop and finding the parking lot covered in crime scene tape.
    — Ana Maria Soler, CBS News, 1 July 2026
  • The daycare later released a statement expressing condolences and pledging support for the family.
    — Michael Sinkewicz, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2026
Definition of express
Verb
  • The flags are saved for periodic retirement ceremonies that involve reciting a script, standing at attention, a moment of silent reflection, and the subsequent burning.
    — Jennifer Prince, Southern Living, 3 July 2026
  • Those attending should come to attention, salute, recite the Pledge of Allegiance or pause for a moment of silent reflection.
    — Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 3 July 2026
Definition of recite
Verb
  • Some Cuba watchers are skeptical Rodríguez Castro could assume a leading role in the official government.
    — Romina Ruiz-Goiriena, USA Today, 6 July 2026
  • Vahidi, who assumed the role after his predecessor Mohammad Pakpour was killed in US-Israeli strikes on the first day of the war, is rarely seen in public.
    — Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 5 July 2026
Definition of assume
Adverb
  • Hernandez, 29, a contractor based in Franklin, about 20 miles south of Nashville, undertook the $380 project with furniture from HomeGoods after seeing his pet spend most of her life tucked away in a little corner.
    — Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 5 July 2026
  • Back in the arena, Kaw-Liga lasts about five seconds on the mini bull.
    — Hilary Whiteman, CNN Money, 5 July 2026
Definition of about
Noun
  • Tech giant Samsung was a drag on the overall market, with shares falling despite reporting a record preliminary second-quarter operating profit.
    — Leonie Kidd, CNBC, 7 July 2026
  • The potential for prefab to capture a large share of the fire recovery and speed its progress is still only hypothetical.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026
Definition of share
Verb
  • Before assuming the new borrowing limits apply to you, talk with your financial aid office.
    — Scott White, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
  • Above, her mother’s brother, Abdullahi Mohamed, cradled a cup of tea in his hands and talked to her parents about their Central Avenue community, the news of the day and the global events that dominated the early 2000s.
    — Julia Coin Updated July 2, Charlotte Observer, 2 July 2026
Definition of talk
Verb
  • The research team also found troubling racial disparities when officers used language reserved for serious suspicions — like phrasing implying commands or accusations — when the reason for the stop was relatively minor.
    — Robert Salonga, Mercury News, 17 June 2026
  • One onboarding step was phrased so oddly that two teams interpreted it in opposite ways.
    — Michael Goshka, Forbes.com, 12 June 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 7 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of say for Spanish Speakers

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