3
b
: to give expression to : communicate
a glance that said all that was necessary
: to express oneself : speak
see also:
1
: an expression of opinion
had my say
2
: a right or power to influence action or decision
especially
: the authority to make final decisions
3
archaic
: something that is said : statement
Examples of say in a Sentence
Verb
“Is anybody there?” he said.
“Good morning,” said the woman behind the counter.
I said three words before he interrupted me again.
I just stopped by to say hello.
He left without saying goodbye.
I wanted to say thank you for all you've done for me.
She said something about going to the store after work.
He said something in French.
Anything you say to the police can be used as evidence against you.
Don't believe a word he says.
Noun
Everybody had a say at the meeting.
We won't make a decision until all members have had their say.
The judge will have the final say on the divorce settlement.
He had no say in the matter.
Recent Examples on the Web
Noah Goldberg, Los Angeles Times, 8 June 2026
Then, the magic comes in the editing room, piecing together the story to say something bigger than one shot ever could.
—Jared Weiss, New York Times, 8 June 2026
Los Angeles Times, 29 May 2026
Search for a director of football Sources with knowledge of the situation — who, like all those cited in this piece, spoke on the condition of anonymity to protect relationships — say Nuno will have a big say in the appointment of a director of football.
—Roshane Thomas, New York Times, 28 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for say
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Verb
During the four-month primary campaign, Raman offered withering critiques of Bass’ first term, saying the mayor failed to act with urgency on homelessness, apartment construction, street repairs and the exodus of entertainment jobs from the region.
—Noah Goldberg, Los Angeles Times, 8 June 2026
Then, the magic comes in the editing room, piecing together the story to say something bigger than one shot ever could.
—Jared Weiss, New York Times, 8 June 2026
Noun
Establishing a new police force would require changing the city charter, meaning voters will have a say come the November midterm elections.
—Los Angeles Times, 29 May 2026
Search for a director of football Sources with knowledge of the situation — who, like all those cited in this piece, spoke on the condition of anonymity to protect relationships — say Nuno will have a big say in the appointment of a director of football.
—Roshane Thomas, New York Times, 28 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for say
Cite this Entry
“Say.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/say. Accessed 11 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
say
1 of 3 verb1
2
a
: utter entry 2 sense 2, pronounce
can't say more than three words without laughing
b
: recite sense 1, repeat
said my prayers
3
a
: indicate sense 2, show
the clock says five minutes after ten
b
: to give expression to : communicate
the look on his face said it all
4
: suppose sense 1, assume
let's say you're right
say
2 of 3 noun1
: an expression of opinion
had my say
2
: the power to decide or help decide
had no say in the plans
say
3 of 3 adverb1
: about as much or as many as
is worth, say, ten dollars
2
: as an example
pick any state, say Iowa
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