saying 1 of 2

noun

ˈsā-iŋ How to pronounce saying (audio)
Definition of sayingnext
as in proverb
an often stated observation regarding something from common experience there's an old saying that you should let sleeping dogs lie

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saying

2 of 2

verb

present participle of say
1
as in telling
to express (a thought or emotion) in words why don't you just say what's on your mind?

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2
as in expressing
to convey in appropriate or telling terms I'm not quite sure how to say this, but that's the worst essay I've ever read

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3
as in reciting
to give from memory say your prayers

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4
as in assuming
to take as true or as a fact without actual proof let's say, for the sake of argument, that this is true

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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 saying
Noun
What seems to surprise Obrochta’s audiences most is the age of a saying or discovering what everyday life may have looked like when the expression developed. — Jim Dudlicek, Chicago Tribune, 4 Oct. 2026 To quote another Mexican saying, por eso estamos como estamos. — Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2026
Verb
Moreno described restrictions on the group’s movements, saying officers accompanied them to the market and on occasional outings but restricted them from going out at night. — Mark Banchereau, Los Angeles Times, 8 Oct. 2026 Trustee Michelle Newsom referenced the survey results on Wednesday, saying there was no clear mandate from the community to change the voting system. — Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for saying
Recent Examples of Synonyms for saying
  1. proverb
  2. telling
  3. expressing
  4. reciting
  5. assuming
  6. word
  7. talking
  8. stating
Noun
  • In American sports, namely college and professional football, head coaches often land on one singular proverb after a victory.
    — Felipe Cardenas, New York Times, 4 Oct. 2026
  • The underlying lesson of the proverb dates back at least to the time of the first Olympics in Greece — nearly 3,000 years ago, for those counting at home.
    — Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 20 Sep. 2026
Definition of proverb
Verb
  • In July, Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham brought the debate to the WNBA, telling ESPN trans women shouldn’t be allowed to play in the league.
    — CT Jones, Rolling Stone, 10 Oct. 2026
  • Firms in Riyadh were telling their employees to work from home tomorrow, and people have been spooked for weeks.
    — Mohammed Sergie, semafor.com, 10 Oct. 2026
Definition of telling
Verb
  • With artificial intelligence permeating nearly every aspect of life, therapists are seeing more people expressing anxiety about the technology.
    — Theara Coleman, TheWeek, 6 Oct. 2026
  • When Slowing Things Down Actually Speeds Things Up Developing and expressing transformational care takes time.
    — Michael Corvini, Forbes.com, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of expressing
Verb
  • Judging from the first episode, the show is less about reciting peak positions and more focused on the stories surrounding those numbers.
    — Alicia Urrea, Billboard, 7 Oct. 2026
  • An outstretched hand After reciting the confessional, the Ne’ilah service adds one more prayer, not used in other services.
    — Reuven Kimelman, The Conversation, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of reciting
Verb
  • So, associations should avoid assuming that a seemingly minor irrigation problem presents no legal concern.
    — Christyne D. Santisteban, Miami Herald, 8 Oct. 2026
  • The May 2027 board elections would be conducted under the new system if adopted, assuming the voting districts are drawn and approved at least 120 days before the election, according to state law.
    — Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of assuming
Noun
  • Furnari recalled that some of the song’s early music and lyrics came together quickly, but writing words that could do justice to their experience was another matter.
    — Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 4 Oct. 2026
  • Bad word set in not just here but around the world, a 180 to the vibrant critical reaction and audience reception on One Battle After Another (94% certified fresh, A CinemaScore).
    — Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 4 Oct. 2026
Definition of word
Verb
  • Being able to have the in-person connectivity with talking to your coworkers, being able to collaborate, is great and then also the larger programming of the company as a whole.
    — Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 9 Oct. 2026
  • By then, despite the predictions, Callum was walking and talking.
    — Deepa Fernandes, STAT, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of talking
Verb
  • Two working spray bottles with yellowish liquid were also found in the kitchen without labels stating what was inside.
    — Joseph Hernandez, Kansas City Star, 10 Oct. 2026
  • In fact, the very week our paper was accepted, a leading expert gave a lecture stating that everyone knew T cells could not be grown in culture.
    — Robert C. Gallo, STAT, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of stating

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Cite this Entry

“Saying.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/saying. Accessed 12 Oct. 2026.

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