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 university in January 2024 denied Tucker’s appeal of the findings.
    Kenny Jacoby, USA Today, 4 June 2025
  • According to officers, the man acknowledged engaging in lewd behavior and taking photos of children but denied touching anyone.
    Tanasia Kenney, Miami Herald, 4 June 2025
Verb
  • Reversing the recommendation for vaccinating healthy pregnant women thus contradicts the new framework described by the FDA.
    Libby Richards, The Conversation, 29 May 2025
  • Some of the video footage appeared to contradict Kemp's account of the events in question.
    Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 27 May 2025
Verb
  • The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has refuted claims that the noise from offshore wind turbines causes whale deaths.
    Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 20 May 2025
  • But rather than refute Mische’s analysis, the administration has been planting suggestions that Mische is employed by Saudi Arabia, even though his advice to that nation ended years ago.
    Dan Walters, Mercury News, 20 May 2025
Verb
  • In December, the state Legislature initially rejected the plan because of funding ambiguities.
    Theo Burman, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 May 2025
  • The jury rejected the BBC's defense that its journalism was fair, responsible and in the public interest.
    Fatima Al-Kassab, NPR, 30 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Gainsay.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gainsay. Accessed 9 Jun. 2025.

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