unsay

verb

un·​say ˌən-ˈsā How to pronounce unsay (audio)
 Southern also  -ˈse
unsaid ˌən-ˈsed How to pronounce unsay (audio) ; unsaying ˌən-ˈsā-iŋ How to pronounce unsay (audio)

transitive verb

: to make as if not said : recant, retract

Examples of unsay in a Sentence

the witness tried to unsay the very testimony that he had given a few days earlier
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.
The garden was his other possible life, the voice unused and everything left unsaid. Literary Hub, 2 Oct. 2025 That anger was repeatedly cast beyond Tyler Robinson, the Utah man charged with slaying Kirk whose name went unsaid throughout the day’s services. Ronald J. Hansen, AZCentral.com, 22 Sep. 2025 Today, this exercise is used in classrooms and workshops to teach brevity, intentionality, and the art of what’s left unsaid. Rodger Dean Duncan, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025 Yet his most consequential victory may not have been what was staged for the cameras, but what was left unsaid. Nectar Gan, CNN Money, 10 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for unsay

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unsay was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unsay.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unsay. Accessed 17 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

unsay

verb
un·​say ˌən-ˈsā How to pronounce unsay (audio)
ˈən-
unsaid -ˈsed How to pronounce unsay (audio) ; unsaying -ˈsā-iŋ How to pronounce unsay (audio)
: to take back something said : retract
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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