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
That’s not to say Sheinbaum doesn’t face challenges in this area.
—
Michael Rios, CNN Money, 5 Oct. 2025
That’s not to say that all the authors truly are on the same level—or that their social world is always harmonious.
—Rebecca Ackermann, The Atlantic, 5 Oct. 2025
This is not to say that commercial infant formula is a bad thing.
—Ann Kellams, The Conversation, 2 Oct. 2025
This is not to say love and tradition are disappearing.
—Essence, 1 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for not to say
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.
Michael Rios, CNN Money, 5 Oct. 2025
That’s not to say that all the authors truly are on the same level—or that their social world is always harmonious.
—Rebecca Ackermann, The Atlantic, 5 Oct. 2025
This is not to say that commercial infant formula is a bad thing.
—Ann Kellams, The Conversation, 2 Oct. 2025
This is not to say love and tradition are disappearing.
—Essence, 1 Oct. 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 7 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share