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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

Then would Sir Godrick have gone his ways, but the poor folk of the thorp prayed him so piteously to abide till the morrow that he had no heart to naysay them.

From The Sundering Flood by Morris, May