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 Sometimes, his feelings about them may even go unsaid. Catherine E. Shoichet, CNN, 11 Aug. 2024 That marked vulnerability created an opening for Drake to attempt to exploit – marking his neglect of the Black family in favour of his vices as a contradiction to his public image, and inviting speculation over what may have been intentionally unsaid about Kendrick’s household turmoil. Shamira Ibrahim, refinery29.com, 9 May 2024 Left unsaid is that senior Labor officials, including Herzog, would become ministers, gain valuable government experience and national relevance, and leave behind the thankless opposition role of tilting at windmills. Neri Zilber, Foreign Affairs, 23 May 2016 Left unsaid is the unfortunate truth: Regular people with regular jobs cannot afford to buy a home in the Bay Area. Letters To The Editor, The Mercury News, 7 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for unsay 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'unsay.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near unsay

Cite this Entry

“Unsay.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unsay. Accessed 15 Sep. 2024.

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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