saying 1 of 2

noun

ˈsā-iŋ How to pronounce saying (audio)
Definition of sayingnext
as in proverb
an often stated observation regarding something from common experience there's an old saying that you should let sleeping dogs lie

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saying

2 of 2

verb

present participle of say
1
as in telling
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 expressing
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 reciting
to give from memory say your prayers

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4
as in assuming
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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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 saying
Noun
But your abhorrence of the outcomes of particular elections doesn’t justify your saying, Well, the hell with that. — Hanna Rosin, The Atlantic, 2 July 2026 Where the most hopelessly corny sayings are painstakingly stitched into the equivalent of cloth graph paper by women who believe in the sayings and give the plaques to people who do not believe in the sayings. — Padgett Powell, Harpers Magazine, 30 June 2026
Verb
The young ensign who, after seven seasons, remained an Ensign, Harry Kim was kind of the dork of the show, which is saying something for Star Trek. — Jordan Hoffman, Entertainment Weekly, 4 July 2026 On ​Thursday, Moody’s issued a report saying a Fujimori ​government will preserve policy continuity, bolster ⁠investor confidence and help the country sustain growth. — Reuters, NBC news, 4 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for saying
Recent Examples of Synonyms for saying
  1. proverb
  2. telling
  3. expressing
  4. reciting
  5. assuming
  6. word
  7. talking
  8. stating
Noun
  • The reason can be explained by a Japanese proverb about the importance of leaving no mess.
    — Lawrence Dow, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 June 2026
  • Popeye the Sailor Man has been guzzling spinach since 1931 to build muscle, while the apple-a-day advice derives from a 19th-century Welsh proverb.
    — Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 5 May 2026
Definition of proverb
Verb
  • Few would dispute that on average or even at the median, males may be bigger and more powerful than females, or that in certain contact sports the difference may be telling and on occasion dangerous.
    — Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026
  • Harry's team had a different version of events, however, telling the BBC that the offer was withdrawn by the palace after it had already been accepted by the duke, further fueling the confusion.
    — Jennifer Hassan, USA Today, 6 July 2026
Definition of telling
Verb
  • The daycare later released a statement expressing condolences and pledging support for the family.
    — Michael Sinkewicz, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2026
  • But last month, Emma Reynolds, the environment secretary, wrote to Ofwat expressing concerns over the rescue package.
    — Ian King, CNBC, 1 July 2026
Definition of expressing
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
  • Gerald speaks in a forceful cadence, like a start-up founder reciting a LinkedIn post.
    — Rob Picheta, CNN Money, 27 June 2026
Definition of reciting
Verb
  • The rule was created assuming that could mean harm or illness, and not in-party fighting.
    — Danielle Battaglia, Charlotte Observer, 3 July 2026
  • For the past few years, conversations around AI adoption have centered around access to tools, assuming technology alone would drive transformation.
    — Bill Pappas, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
Definition of assuming
Noun
  • When word spread that Swift attended Jack Antonoff and Margaret Qualley's 2023 wedding on the New Jersey shore, hundreds of fans and photographers descended on the quiet beach community.
    — Bryan West, USA Today, 1 July 2026
  • Review a bill, then send a polite message that clarifies terms, because simple words protect value and invite respectful responses.
    — Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 30 June 2026
Definition of word
Verb
  • As the order to evacuate was played over loudspeakers on the National Mall, some people appeared to be standing in place, talking with those around them and not exiting the area, while others were walking toward exits.
    — Steven Sloan, Los Angeles Times, 5 July 2026
  • His straight-talking and cliche-less approach hasn’t stopped, either.
    — Colin Millar, New York Times, 4 July 2026
Definition of talking
Verb
  • The organization has not announced a set release time for the scores only information stating that they will be made available on July 6.
    — Julia Gomez, USA Today, 5 July 2026
  • And despite the rules stating that a challenge from behind with studs-on-calf contact and a level of force should be a red card — no card was administered.
    — Mirjam Swanson, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026
Definition of stating

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Cite this Entry

“Saying.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/saying. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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