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)
Synonyms of unsaynext

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.
In a serious dispute, what’s left unsaid can hurt you just as much as what’s said badly. Michael Gargiulo, Forbes.com, 22 May 2026 It’s assumed but unsaid that the relationship between Jimmy and Dennis is — or at least in the past was — a somewhat open one. David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 20 May 2026 Thankfully, Babitz did exactly that — no rambling thoughts, petty accusations or amusing missives left unsaid. Michael Schaub, Los Angeles Times, 12 May 2026 None of that was helped by the movie’s depiction of Michael as a misunderstood mythical being too sweet for the world, with so much left unsaid in the cracks. Alphonse Pierre, Pitchfork, 5 May 2026 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 6 Jun. 2026.

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
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