Synonym Chooser

How does the verb gainsay differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of gainsay are contradict, contravene, and deny. While all these words mean "to refuse to accept as true or valid," gainsay implies disputing the truth of what another has said.

no one can gainsay her claims

When is contradict a more appropriate choice than gainsay?

The synonyms contradict and gainsay are sometimes interchangeable, but contradict implies an open or flat denial.

her account contradicts his

When might contravene be a better fit than gainsay?

While the synonyms contravene and gainsay are close in meaning, contravene implies not so much an intentional opposition as some inherent incompatibility.

laws that contravene tradition

When would deny be a good substitute for gainsay?

In some situations, the words deny and gainsay are roughly equivalent. However, deny implies a firm refusal to accept as true, to grant or concede, or to acknowledge the existence or claims of.

denied the charges

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of gainsay For those who believe what their eyes tell them, it cannot be gainsaid that the plague of Jew hatred — always a reliable first symptom of a jihad against Western institutions — has been caused by the surrender of our education systems to the antinomian Left and the collapse of border security. Andrew C. McCarthy, National Review, 21 Dec. 2023 It cannot be gainsaid that the FBI has brought these problems on itself. The Editors, National Review, 12 Dec. 2023 Pelosi in the House was where Alexandra first used show-trial video, making J6 the central illustration of feminist power, yet gainsaying her mother’s involvement in events of that day. Armond White, National Review, 25 Oct. 2023 None of this is to gainsay the help that western European allies have provided to Ukraine or to minimize the constraints that hamper them from doing more. A. Wess Mitchell, Foreign Affairs, 5 July 2023 See All Example Sentences for gainsay
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gainsay
Verb
  • The goal of Gastineau’s memorandum is to convince U.S. District Judge Paul A. Engelmayer, who is presiding over the case, to deny the motion to dismiss and advance the case into pretrial discovery.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 15 Aug. 2025
  • Shaw then asked if her boyfriend or a friend could pick up her son since his documents were up to date, but she was again denied, Thorward said.
    Hanna Park, CNN Money, 15 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • The call center logs and Richardson's memo directly contradict this statement.
    Rebecca Hersher, NPR, 7 Aug. 2025
  • Then there’s a loving and ridiculous interpretive-dance tribute to Janney and her various roles, even if these roles are largely, genuinely nothing special and featuring them sort of contradicts the concept of the award.
    Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 6 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Newhouse refuted the notion that people were going to lose access to health care.
    Saige Miller, NPR, 15 Aug. 2025
  • Several of Gupta’s accounts of the night are being refuted by authorities and the public.
    Devoun Cetoute, Miami Herald, 15 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Evers himself rejected Underly’s request to repeal a state law requiring teachers to pass the Foundations of Reading Test to obtain certain teaching licenses.
    Rory Linnane, jsonline.com, 7 Aug. 2025
  • Hall has rejected Puri's recommendation to reinstate Farhat as the Democratic appropriations chair, made in a letter that blasted the speaker's approach to budget negotiations.
    Clara Hendrickson, Freep.com, 7 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Gainsay.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gainsay. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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