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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.
Your characters represent different challenges for an actor: Gladys departs the movie almost halfway through, with still a lot to give, with things unsaid, and Claire enters at a point when the audience has already witnessed a lot of history. Tomris Laffly, Vogue, 21 Nov. 2025 When these two energies come together, expect realizations that sting or the sudden urge to finally say what’s been left unsaid. Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 20 Nov. 2025 Like keeping the toothpaste in the tube, some thoughts are better left unsaid. Preston Poore, CNBC, 12 Nov. 2025 But that scientific fact is being left unsaid in Florida. Arthur Allen, Miami Herald, 28 Oct. 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 1 Dec. 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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