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

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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
Congress does not have a yay or nay on the merger, but Democratic lawmakers have warned of investigations and other actions, something that will prove much more salient if the party gains control of one or more chambers in the midterms. — Dominic Patten, Deadline, 27 Feb. 2026 With Cornyn not on the floor, the vote for more than 25 minutes was stuck at 56 ayes and 40 nays, with three other GOP senators, Rick Scott of Florida, Wisconsin’s Ron Johnson and Mike Lee of Utah, not voting, for unclear reasons. — Emily Wilkins,dan Mangan, CNBC, 10 Nov. 2025 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
  • Adrian indeed films McElwee, including in tough times that follow.
    — Richard Brody, New Yorker, 10 July 2026
  • If the University of Miami alum were indeed dating the McLaren baller, who is reportedly based in Monaco, that’s a much bigger haul from South Florida.
    — Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 10 July 2026
Definition of indeed
Noun
  • There was the majestic no-doubter that landed more than halfway up the left-field bleachers, a majestic blast that evoked memories of Andrés Galarraga.
    — Justice delos Santos, Mercury News, 7 July 2026
  • Beulah was her parental figure because Rob-Will never tells her no.
    — Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 7 July 2026
Definition of no
Noun
  • This strategic refusal is a major plot point in the episode, reflecting a history that led the New York Times to report in 1921 that the Osage had the greatest per capita wealth in the world.
    — Max Gao, IndieWire, 10 July 2026
  • Tensions between the two countries mounted last year with Spain's refusal to commit to investing 5% of GDP annually on defense by 2035, after other member states agreed to the target at last year's summit.
    — Tiago Ventura, Time, 9 July 2026
Definition of refusal
Adverb
  • Mediators of the deal, led by Pakistan and Qatar, will almost certainly now be hurriedly trying to get the agreement back on the rails.
    — Ivana Kottasová, CNN Money, 8 July 2026
  • The captain, certainly, but not the most important person on the field.
    — Culture Critic, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026
Definition of certainly
Noun
  • Both totals represent sufficient support to overcome a potential presidential veto with a two-thirds majority in both chambers.
    — John Parkinson, ABC News, 10 July 2026
  • Trump had 10 days until the Friday deadline to sign the bill, issue a veto, or allow the measure to take effect without his signature.
    — Michelle L. Price, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2026
Definition of veto
Noun
  • Trump’s rejection of the bipartisan housing legislation exacerbates tensions with his own party in a midterm election year and cuts short their efforts to address a key voter concern about rising costs.
    — Michelle L. Price, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2026
  • And from faculty lounges today comes a gigantic rejection of the Humphrey-to-Obama synthesis.
    — David Brooks, The Atlantic, 8 July 2026
Definition of rejection
Adverb
  • While the initiative will surely fail at the polls, the fact that campaign organizers were able to get enough signatures and raise funding from out-of-state sources hints at a long-term effort that outdoorsmen everywhere should pay attention to.
    — Kris Millgate, Outdoor Life, 9 July 2026
  • The human personality resists easy analysis — that is surely one of Aviv’s takeaways.
    — Julia M. Klein, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026
Definition of surely
Noun
  • The denial was a hit to Wilber’s spirit, but Yadira tried to calm the restless teenager.
    — Itzel Luna, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2026
  • The birthright citizenship decision was decided on merits after full oral arguments, while the Carroll petition asks the court to reconsider its decision to not hear the case, known as a denial of certiorari.
    — Lauren Morganbesser, semafor.com, 9 July 2026
Definition of denial

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Cite this Entry

“Nay.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nay. Accessed 15 Jul. 2026.

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