not to say

idiom

used to introduce a more forceful or critical way of describing someone or something
He was impolite, not to say downright rude!

Examples of not to say in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
That’s not to say that situations don’t get tricky on the ground, says Belau, as people outside of the group obviously aren’t aware of the no-political-talk policy. Terry Ward, CNN Money, 10 Nov. 2025 That’s not to say these pans aren’t worthy alternatives. Wilder Davies, Bon Appetit Magazine, 7 Nov. 2025 That’s not to say his legs didn’t factor in the contest. Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 7 Nov. 2025 Alex’s chapter feels autobiographical, and not to say that my dad was some horrible monster. Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 6 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for not to say

Cite this Entry

“Not to say.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/not%20to%20say. Accessed 12 Nov. 2025.

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