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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.

Glen Ger, 60, was more optimistic, saying the KMT would "let everyone know that public opinion isn't completely one-sided, so they can understand that people want peace".

From Barron's • Apr. 5, 2026

Rubio also shared a statement on X, saying Soleimani Afshar and her daughter were "green card holders living lavishly in the United States".

From BBC • Apr. 4, 2026

Iran's military also said it downed a US A-10 ground attack aircraft in the Gulf, with US media saying the pilot was rescued.

From Barron's • Apr. 4, 2026

Plus, 50 years of Apple products, a scan for statin use and saying no to an inheritance.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 4, 2026

Mr. Haber shook his head as if he’d forgotten what he was saying and then dismissed me with a wave.

From "The Red Car to Hollywood" by Jennie Liu

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.