say-so
Americannoun
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one's personal statement or assertion.
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final authority; directing influence.
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an authoritative statement.
noun
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an arbitrary assertion
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an authoritative decision
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the authority to make a final decision
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of say-so
First recorded in 1630–40; originally, one's mere word on a matter, as opposed to proof
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.
Although it feels strange to say so, this exhibition about the birth of corporate art in the age of empire feels quite intimate.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 3, 2026
LIV Golf appears to be dying on the vine but doesn’t want to say so.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 17, 2026
If he does not wish to be on life support, for example, this advance-healthcare directive would say so.
From MarketWatch • Apr. 9, 2026
That’s illegal, and we’re going to get the courts to say so.
From Slate • Mar. 30, 2026
It was strange hearing him say those things, knowing how much his words applied to me, yet also knowing I could never say so, even here.
From "Code Name Kingfisher" by Liz Kessler
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
