Definition of say
said
play \ˈsed, especially when subject follows səd\;saying
play \ˈsā-iŋ\;says
play play \ˈsez, sometimes ˈsāz, especially when subject follows səz\say uncle
: to admit defeat
that is to say
: in other words : in effect
to say nothing of
: not to mention : and notably in addition will need more time, to say nothing of money
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Examples of say in a Sentence
“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.
Recent Examples of say from the Web
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The teen was conscious and able to communicate during the ordeal, police said.
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In particular, Mendell said, prescribing practices should be measured and responded to in real time.
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The amount of each refund will depend on how much a person paid to DeVry but won't cover the complete cost, the FTC said.
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A permanent home will help VGA further its case for the artistic merit of video games, says executive director Jonathan Kinkley, who cofounded VGA Gallery in 2014 with Chaz Evans, director of exhibitions and programs.
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The documents say that the city's decision to close the court violates judicial independence.
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Some say the election of Trump has also helped spur interest in their cause.
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Nonetheless, note carefully what Ismay did not say.
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The CHP said Hackman then fell to the ground and suffered fatal injuries.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'say.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of say
Middle English, from Old English secgan; akin to Old High German sagēn to say, Lithuanian sakyti, Greek ennepein to speak, tell
Examples of say in a Sentence
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 of say from the Web
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Those fresh-burger chains are among the fast-food rivals that McDonald's says have siphoned 500 million U.S. transactions from its stores since 2012.
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In some cases, residents will have the final say in a voter referendum.
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To the extent that societies should be able to chart their own course, why shouldn’t the population have a say on the basic framework of their political system-to-be?
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Further committees will make their last tweaks to the legislation this summer before the EU's legal affairs committee has the final say in September.
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But the Legislature should continue to have a say on this issue.
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And although the city manager would have had a say in any potential parking cost increase, the city would have, for the most part, lost control.
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An earlier presidential primary gives California voters a greater say in the nominating process and the opportunity to give their favorite candidate momentum.
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Austin is the longtime budget committee chairman, the longest serving African-American on the council and a loyal Emanuel ally, all of which gives her a big say in how the city might help CPS.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'say.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
First Known Use of say
1571
say
Definition of say
1 : about, approximately the property is worth, say, four million dollars
2 : for example : as if we compress any gas, say oxygen
Examples of say in a Sentence
a person consumes, say, 2000 calories a day
Origin and Etymology of say
from imperative of 1say
SAY Defined for English Language Learners
say
playDefinition of say for English Language Learners
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: to use your voice to express (something) with words
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: to express (an opinion)
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: to express (a fact) with certainty
say
Definition of say for English Language Learners
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: an opportunity to express your opinion
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: the power to decide or help decide something
SAY Defined for Kids
Definition of say for Students
said
\ˈsed\;saying
\ˈsā-iŋ\1 : to express in words He said that she would be late. What does the card say?
2 : to state as an opinion or decision : declare I say you are wrong.
5 : to consider as a possibility or example Can you spare, say, 20 dollars?
Definition of say for Students
1 : an expression of opinion We all had a say at the meeting.
2 : the power to decide or help decide We had no say in the matter.
Learn More about say
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See words that rhyme with say Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for say Spanish Central: Translation of say Nglish: Translation of say for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of say for Arabic speakers
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