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naysay

American  
[ney-sey] / ˈneɪˌseɪ /

verb (used with object)

naysaid, naysaying
  1. to say nay to; deny; reject; oppose.


Etymology

Origin of naysay

1765–75; nay + say 1, or by back formation from naysayer

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“You don’t change a culture overnight. The first part of that is acknowledging what has happened. Nobody can naysay or deny or act ignorant anymore.”

From Washington Post • May 23, 2022

“I’m a man first and foremost. I didn’t get this far by listening to all the naysay and doubters. I just come to work and do my job every day.”

From Seattle Times • Oct. 9, 2020

She thought it stank of moisture and car exhaust, but she wouldn’t naysay Sasha.

From Nature • Dec. 17, 2019

Fighting words, and I’m sure something Germany, Brazil and Japan will be keen to naysay later in the tournament.

From The Guardian • Jun. 16, 2015

Friend, and chieftain of the Wolf, thou mayst hear by this shouting of the people that we have no mind to naysay our yea-say. 

From The Roots of the Mountains; Wherein Is Told Somewhat of the Lives of the Men of Burgdale by Morris, William