say-so

American  

[sey-soh] / ˈseɪˌsoʊ /

noun

plural

say-sos

1. one's personal statement or assertion.

2. final authority; directing influence.

3. an authoritative statement.

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say-so British  

noun

1. an arbitrary assertion

2. an authoritative decision

3. the authority to make a final decision

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Etymology

Origin of say-so

First recorded in 1630–40; originally, one's mere word on a matter, as opposed to proof

Example Sentences

Two years later, Mr. Novick lost his new job as a U.S. marshal after being put on a blacklist on the say-so of federal prosecutors.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 11, 2025

“Now we have a seat at the table and some say-so in how this proceeds forward, which is a big step,” says Gill.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 17, 2024

She didn’t even have the ability to make a reproductive decision because her miscarriage happened with no say-so from her at all.

From Slate • Dec. 20, 2023

But in a 52-page decision, Liman said the plaintiffs did not prove they had sincere religious objections to being vaccinated, and instead offered only their "say-so" on the issue.

From Reuters • Sep. 25, 2023

And the other was Mrs. Sidman, who I guess had determined that nothing more was going to happen to her at Camillo Junior High School without her say-so.

From "The Wednesday Wars" by Gary D. Schmidt