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Synonyms

saying

American  
[sey-ing] / ˈseɪ ɪŋ /

noun

  1. something said, say, especially a proverb or apothegm.

    Synonyms:
    aphorism, saw, adage, maxim

idioms

  1. go without saying, to be completely self-evident; be understood.

    It goes without saying that you are welcome to visit us at any time.
saying British  
/ ˈseɪɪŋ /

noun

  1. a maxim, adage, or proverb

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of saying

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English (gerund); say 1, -ing 1

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.

Iran last month released another Japanese citizen -- who was also not named -- who was being held, with Tokyo saying on March 22 that the person would return to Japan.

From Barron's • Apr. 7, 2026

Your body and mind are saying, “Something doesn’t feel right here.”

From MarketWatch • Apr. 7, 2026

It has increased its fuel surcharge by 5% for domestic services and 5.5% for international services from 3 May, saying the decision was not taken lightly.

From BBC • Apr. 7, 2026

West has apologized, saying he’s been struggling with mental health for years.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 6, 2026

But this time I would not be trapped into saying so.

From "The Hiding Place" by Corrie ten Boom

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.