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.
Fighting the magnetic pull of screens is like trying to say no to dessert, gossip, and Amazon Prime all at once. Jennifer Jolly, USA Today, 28 Oct. 2025 Here's how to say no in ways that build connection instead of conflict. Kelsey Mora, CNBC, 25 Oct. 2025 Even so, if a team needing an elite pass rusher offers Las Vegas a treasure trove of draft capital and a player, the front office may not be able to say no. James Brizuela, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025 Jones denied involvement in the casket incident, and police reports from the time say no one matching Jones’ description was seen on video dropping off the casket. Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for say no

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Cite this Entry

“Say no.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/say%20no. Accessed 1 Nov. 2025.

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