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 Within these rules, the CFPB cannot be gainsaid by anyone — not Congress, the Fed or the president. Stephen L. Carter, The Mercury News, 23 May 2024 It cannot be gainsaid that Biden cooperated and Trump obstructed. Andrew C. McCarthy, National Review, 2 Mar. 2024 There’s a way to gainsay that impression — and inform voters of the rivals’ actual positions on the issues: Put the two candidates side by side on a debate stage for an extended period of time. Matthew Yglesias, Twin Cities, 31 Jan. 2024 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
  • Upon the basis of these findings, Congress declares that the constitutional right of citizens to vote is denied or abridged in some areas by the requirement of the payment of a poll tax as a precondition to voting.
    JSTOR Daily, JSTOR Daily, 17 Oct. 2025
  • The administration says the white South African farmers face discrimination and violence in South Africa, which the country’s government denies.
    Khaleda Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • However, the facts contradict these reports.
    Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 19 Oct. 2025
  • Arrest of Massachusetts teen A 13-year-old in Everett, Massachusetts, was detained by ICE and moved to a different state last week in a case in which local officials have contradicted a key statement from a DHS official.
    Josh Campbell, CNN Money, 18 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The couple has publicly refuted those claims, affirming the authenticity of their partnership.
    Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Oct. 2025
  • Michaels took to her Instagram days after the release of Fit for TV to post a series of screenshots of text chains, email threads, and other pieces of documentation refuting or otherwise complicating each claim leveled at her.
    Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 14 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The council had already rejected Allied once before, months earlier, over settlements — including back wages — that the company has had to pay out to current and former employees.
    Shomik Mukherjee, Mercury News, 17 Oct. 2025
  • Teachers, students, and parents alike rejected the $850 million effort.
    Andrew Nusca, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Gainsay.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gainsay. Accessed 23 Oct. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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