naysay

[ney-sey]

verb (used with object)

naysaid, naysaying 

1. to say nay to; deny; reject; oppose.

Word History and Origins

Origin of naysay¹

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

Example Sentences

“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.”

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“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.”

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

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

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If Cameroon’s dismal antics fuelled the fire for those who naysay African football’s progress, Ghana were depressingly swift to provide the ignition.

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