as in proverb
an often stated observation regarding something from common experience
there's an old saying that you should let sleeping dogs lie
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
1
as in telling
to express (a thought or emotion) in words
why don't you just say what's on your mind?
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in reciting
to give from memory
say your prayers
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
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 saying
Amy Lawrence, New York Times, 31 May 2026
Pride, the saying goes, comes before a fall.
—Mark Barabak, Mercury News, 28 May 2026
Tabitha Parent, PEOPLE, 8 June 2026
Clothing exporters have pushed back at this narrative, saying that the calculus doesn’t make sense.
—Jasmin Malik Chua, Footwear News, 8 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for saying
Noun
As the saying goes, there is no great genius without some touch of madness.
—Amy Lawrence, New York Times, 31 May 2026
Pride, the saying goes, comes before a fall.
—Mark Barabak, Mercury News, 28 May 2026
Verb
Rosie then shares the sweet thing Blake has been saying to get his newborn baby to stop crying.
—Tabitha Parent, PEOPLE, 8 June 2026
Clothing exporters have pushed back at this narrative, saying that the calculus doesn’t make sense.
—Jasmin Malik Chua, Footwear News, 8 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for saying
Recent Examples of Synonyms for saying
Noun
-
What does the phrase squeaky bum time, the racehorse Devon Loch, and the Portuguese proverb ‘morrer na prais’ all have in common?—
Ian Irving,
New York Times,
28 Feb. 2026
-
The rooms The old Japanese proverb ‘*kachou fuugetsu’—*which translates as ‘flower, bird, wind, moon’ evoking a sense of the transient beauty of nature—is a key concept at the hotel.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
26 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Since the disclosure and the Phans’ trial continuance, an independent review into the Middlesex DA’s handling of the case found that no attorneys were aware of the allegations against Quigley until immediately prior to telling the defense.—
Colleen Cronin,
Boston Herald,
9 June 2026
-
Trump had a heated phone call with Netanyahu, telling him not to go through with those actions.—
Brittney Melton,
NPR,
9 June 2026
Verb
-
Workplaces absolutely require professionalism and emotional intelligence, but confidence becomes fragile when your energy is focused entirely on managing perception instead of expressing ideas honestly and engaging authentically.—
Dr. Diane Hamilton,
Forbes.com,
6 June 2026
-
There was Governor Christopher Waller expressing worry that consumer and market psychology was in danger of shifting their inflation expectations higher — a key consideration when figuring out how the Fed should react.—
Jeff Cox,
CNBC,
5 June 2026
Verb
-
The pair were just jamming out when Weinberg laid down an idea for a guitar line and Osby was struck with inspiration, instantly reciting lyrics over the chords.—
Maya Georgi,
Rolling Stone,
18 May 2026
-
The finished product appeared to show Kerr reciting the song nearly word for word over the course of the season.—
Paloma Chavez,
PEOPLE,
16 May 2026
Verb
-
For student loans, co-signer releases can happen after making a certain number of consecutive, on-time payments, assuming the lender offers co-signer releases.—
Jasmin Suknanan,
CNBC,
9 June 2026
-
After all, the injunction will last until a trial, assuming an NCAA appeal is unsuccessful, and a trial date might be scheduled after his college season ends.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
9 June 2026
Noun
-
The game’s objective is to group words or objects into four groups of four based on commonalities within each group as quickly as possible.—
Mark Cooper,
New York Times,
8 June 2026
-
Already, attention must be paid, and italics must be used, because eyepatch Armand is, to use his favorite word, fascinating.—
Rebecca Alter,
Vulture,
8 June 2026
Verb
-
My mother opens the balcony door and starts hanging up underpants, talking to the guests with her back to them.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
8 June 2026
-
The hottest new social activity is not talking Silent reading clubs are giving like-minded bookworms a brain boost.—
Alexandra Banner,
CNN Money,
8 June 2026
Verb
-
Known for posting covers of American radio hits in front of a green screen, Magdum submitted his petition for an O-1 nonimmigrant visa and was met with a request for evidence (RFE), an official notice stating that his application needed clarification before a final decision can be made.—
Max Bacall , Tessa Hoyos , Nikos DeGruccio,
FOXNews.com,
6 June 2026
-
Behavioral health companies in South Florida say they are being impacted by Medicaid termination letters, with facilities stating the cuts are harming patients who need help and leaving many therapists out of work.—
Morgan Rynor,
CBS News,
4 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Saying.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/saying. Accessed 12 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
