say no

idiom

: to say that one will not accept or agree to something
We requested more time, but she said no.
often + to
She said no to our request.
I never say no to dessert.

Examples of say no 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.
Learning to advocate for herself, and say no when necessary, revived her sense of agency as both an artist and businesswoman. Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 9 July 2025 Being too helpful in the office can hurt your career—here’s how to say no. Maria Gracia Santillana Linares, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025 Download exact scripts to diplomatically say no at work here. Melody Wilding, CNBC, 6 July 2025 Many of us are still developing our ability to say no. Essence, 26 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for say no

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“Say no.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/say%20no. Accessed 15 Jul. 2025.

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