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.
This is not to say that past presidents were necessarily more idealistic at their core (though Jimmy Carter probably was). Gal Beckerman, The Atlantic, 1 May 2025 That’s not to say that Liverpool supporters spent that moment feeling sorry for themselves. Jamie Barton, CNN Money, 28 Apr. 2025 That’s not to say that outfielder Grisham couldn’t be on his way to re-establishing himself as an everyday player or amid a career year. Brendan Kuty, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2025 Related Stories General News The Dire Wolf's Hollywood DNA That’s not to say the entire season finale was bleak. Lisa De Los Reyes, HollywoodReporter, 27 Apr. 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 4 May. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!