as in say
the right to express a wish, choice, or opinion
some of the members complained they didn't have any say-so in how the organization spent its funds
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 say-so
No one is unjustly denied health care or a property insurance claim on the final say-so of AI review.
—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 2 Apr. 2026
Approved projects could then be built without the city council’s say-so.
—Kim Velsey, Curbed, 24 Oct. 2025
None are likely to drop everything and come back home, just on Trump’s say-so.
—Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 5 May 2025
At his say-so, a series of military vehicles rolls slowly down the overgrown Seattle streets, followed by a small army of armed soldiers.
—EW.com, 28 Apr. 2025
The Blooms kept a small portion of the business but did not have any say-so in the business’s operations.
—Jenna Thompson, Kansas City Star, 8 Apr. 2025
In most Florida counties, property owners whose land is unincorporated but abuts a city can petition to enter the city boundaries without county government having a say-so.
—Stephen Hudak, Orlando Sentinel, 17 Mar. 2025
Never ever move money anywhere on the say-so of someone who has reached out to you by phone.
—Zak Doffman, Forbes, 18 Jan. 2025
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 2 Apr. 2026
Approved projects could then be built without the city council’s say-so.
—Kim Velsey, Curbed, 24 Oct. 2025
None are likely to drop everything and come back home, just on Trump’s say-so.
—Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 5 May 2025
At his say-so, a series of military vehicles rolls slowly down the overgrown Seattle streets, followed by a small army of armed soldiers.
—EW.com, 28 Apr. 2025
The Blooms kept a small portion of the business but did not have any say-so in the business’s operations.
—Jenna Thompson, Kansas City Star, 8 Apr. 2025
In most Florida counties, property owners whose land is unincorporated but abuts a city can petition to enter the city boundaries without county government having a say-so.
—Stephen Hudak, Orlando Sentinel, 17 Mar. 2025
Never ever move money anywhere on the say-so of someone who has reached out to you by phone.
—Zak Doffman, Forbes, 18 Jan. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for say-so
Noun
-
For centuries, Black people fought for the ballot, not just to have a say in their government, but to demonstrate their own value, both to themselves and to others.—
Vann R. Newkirk II,
The Atlantic,
2 May 2026
-
The Department of Education wouldn’t have a say in whether Bassell receives his pension, officials there said, and a representative of Bassell’s union didn’t return messages seeking comment.—
John Annese,
New York Daily News,
2 May 2026
Noun
-
As the song ticks past the 20-minute mark, Goldie’s voice gets increasingly desperate and the music darkens.—
Ben Cardew,
Pitchfork,
2 May 2026
-
Claussen said in a phone interview, her voice trailing off.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
2 May 2026
Noun
-
Adjusting for one-time items tied to the transaction that put the former Paramount assets under the control of Skydance, the company reported adjusted earnings per share of 23 cents.—
Brian Steinberg,
Variety,
4 May 2026
-
For his part, Becerra supports extending existing measures like Propositions 30 and 55, both of which call for much smaller tax increases on a larger share of citizens.—
Douglas Schoen,
Oc Register,
4 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Say-so.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/say-so. Accessed 10 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
