unquote

American  

[uhn-kwoht, uhn-kwoht] / ʌnˈkwoʊt, ˈʌnˌkwoʊt /

verb (used without object)

unquoted, unquoting

1. to close a quotation (often used with the word quote, which notes the opening of the quotation).

   The senator said, quote, I am unalterably opposed to this policy, unquote.

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unquote British  

/ ʌnˈkwəʊt /

interjection

1. an expression used parenthetically to indicate that the preceding quotation is finished

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verb

1. to close (a quotation), esp in printing

Etymology

Origin of unquote

First recorded in 1910–15; un- ² + quote

Example Sentences

“They said I, quote unquote, rammed federal agents,” she said at a congressional hearing in February.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 1, 2026

“This is the first time, even by his own words, that it has been a quote, unquote, blowout.”

From MarketWatch • Dec. 31, 2025

So far, the scientists aren’t sure precisely which part of the rumble might be the elephant’s, quote unquote, “name.”

From New York Times • Jun. 14, 2024

“Don’t put me on like the quote unquote ‘Muslim show’ just put me on a show and trust that I’m going to be funny,” Johnson said.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 24, 2023

I figured he must be on the other bus, but then I overheard Miles tell Amos that Julian ditched the grade trip because he thought the whole nature-retreat thing was, quote unquote, dorky.

From "Wonder" by R. J. Palacio