say-so
Americannoun
-
say-sos
plural
-
one's personal statement or assertion.
-
final authority; directing influence.
-
an authoritative statement.
noun
-
an arbitrary assertion
-
an authoritative decision
-
the authority to make a final decision
Other Word Forms
Noun Inflected 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.
See Examples For:
Anyone who said the fund was inoperative because of Blanche’s informal say-so is either ignorant or lying.
From Salon ● Jul. 31, 2026
“They don’t get a say-so in what the United States’s policy is,” he said.
From The Wall Street Journal ● May 22, 2026
As a result, neither DOJ’s statement, nor the still-unavailable OLC opinion, nor the say-so of the president, the attorney general, or the secretary of defense is the last word.
From Slate ● Nov. 24, 2025
“That’s just where I was drafted. So I didn’t have no say-so in that. I finally got an opportunity where I’m put in a position where I think it’s the best opportunity for me.”
From Los Angeles Times ● May 13, 2024
She was a midwife entirely by the power of her own say-so, which was more than enough.
From "Educated" by Tara Westover
"Who said?" asked Howland; "for I've more faith in some say-sos than in some others."
From Standish of Standish A story of the Pilgrims by Jane G. (Jane Goodwin) Austin
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.
