nay 1 of 2

adverb

ˈnā How to pronounce nay (audio)
Definition of naynext
as in indeed
not merely this but also I was angry—nay, furious—at the way they were treating that poor dog

Synonyms & Similar Words

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nay

2 of 2

noun

1
as in no
a vote or decision against something when the votes were tallied, it was 241 yeas and 54 nays

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in refusal
an unwillingness to grant something asked for gave a resounding nay to the request for a mixed-company camping trip

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 nay
Adverb
So, coming live from my Van Down By the River, Old Prospector's pickaxe in my right hand, Cowbell in my left, Opera Man wig on my head, El Nino thundering away above it, here are the eight footballers who could, nay should, host SNL. — SI.com, 9 Oct. 2019 And journalists who actually do their jobs are nay-saying trouble-makers who have the temerity to not rely on press releases. — Ed Yong, Discover Magazine, 26 May 2012
Noun
Rand Paul Paul’s office also did not immediately respond to a request for comment on his nay vote. — Connor Greene, Time, 23 June 2026 But my curiosity proved stronger than my nay-saying. — Rachel Syme, New Yorker, 8 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for nay
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nay
  1. indeed
  2. no
  3. refusal
  4. certainly
  5. veto
  6. rejection
  7. surely
  8. denial
Adverb
  • In War, for example, Morgan Henderson does indeed cheat on his wife with a 20-something aspiring actress.
    — Elise Taylor, Vanity Fair, 24 Oct. 2026
  • You may be forgiven for anticipating a potboiler climax when a lush hideaway with a private beach is concerned, and what occurs there is indeed juicy.
    — Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of indeed
Noun
  • The answer seemed to be a firm no, but then Harry moved to the UK, and rumors started up again.
    — Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 12 Oct. 2026
  • The typical don’t-take-no-for-an-answer strategy that car salespeople use is, unfortunately, very effective.
    — Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of no
Noun
  • The decision comes on the heels of a refusal Monday by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals to intervene in the case in advance of his decision.
    — Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 29 Oct. 2026
  • In his election night speech, Netanyahu repeated his refusal to create a government relying on Arab parties.
    — Giovanna Dell'Orto, Chicago Tribune, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of refusal
Adverb
  • The sense of freedom from reading post-apocalyptic fiction aside (on the table, open for debate), writing it certainly has been a breath of fresh air.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Oct. 2026
  • But perhaps the image of Minaj onstage will inspire the MAGA set to adopt Demna’s revamp of the house—some of the caricatural archetypes in his most recent collection certainly leaned conservative.
    — José Criales-Unzueta, Vanity Fair, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of certainly
Noun
  • There will be enough votes to pass the measure, but the question is whether there will be at least 34 supporters, enough to override a potential Johnson veto.
    — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 28 Oct. 2026
  • During the state elections in 1967, Jagdish Master, a teacher turned activist, challenged the veto of the landlords over Dalit suffrage by escorting a group of Dalits to a polling booth in Ekwari, a village in Bihar’s Bhojpur district.
    — Asim Ali, Time, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of veto
Noun
  • Even with the federal effort on hold, state governments have pressed ahead with new rules that are already pushing ballot rejection rates higher.
    — Philip Wang, Time, 28 Oct. 2026
  • For next year’s admissions, institutions would have to publish more detailed selection criteria and explain rejections when applicants request reasons.
    — Thomas Adamson, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of rejection
Adverb
  • The bike could surely be quite a bit lighter without the folding capability, but Lectric has made the entire Trike2 range foldable, so that's that!
    — Loz Blain October 26, New Atlas, 27 Oct. 2026
  • Much like the Whos down in Whoville kept the spirit of Christmas alive in spite of the Grinch’s gift-stealing gambit, Halloween revelers can surely find ways to enjoy merriment on Saturday.
    — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of surely
Noun
  • The defense will raise the continuance denial in its post-trial motions, according to Herrera.
    — Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Oct. 2026
  • Democrats have long denied involvement in the non-incumbent Sullivan's candidacy, and both the Peltola campaign and the DSCC reiterated those denials after the Times story published.
    — Ashley Lopez, NPR, 29 Oct. 2026
Definition of denial

Browse Nearby Words

nawabs
nay
nays
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Cite this Entry

“Nay.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nay. Accessed 3 Nov. 2026.

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