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
Where the most hopelessly corny sayings are painstakingly stitched into the equivalent of cloth graph paper by women who believe in the sayings and give the plaques to people who do not believe in the sayings. — Padgett Powell, Harpers Magazine, 30 June 2026 Rodriques, who formerly ran the Applied Biotechnology Lab at the Francis Crick Institute, recalled the executive saying. — Brittany Trang, STAT, 29 June 2026
Verb
Democrats, neurotic from decades of defeat, are wringing their hands as usual, saying Jolly is too stiff on stage, too wonkish, not funny enough. — Steve Bousquet, Sun Sentinel, 18 July 2026 When the Miami Herald asked FWC why the agency was using DAVID to check the activists’ records, a spokesperson responded with an email saying it was done to protect participants at commission meetings and staff at FWC offices. — David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 18 July 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
  • The reason can be explained by a Japanese proverb about the importance of leaving no mess.
    — Lawrence Dow, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 June 2026
  • Popeye the Sailor Man has been guzzling spinach since 1931 to build muscle, while the apple-a-day advice derives from a 19th-century Welsh proverb.
    — Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 5 May 2026
Definition of proverb
Verb
  • These short chains of amino acids are found naturally in the body and act as useful messengers, telling cells when to repair damaged tissue, produce hormones, reduce inflammation, and more.
    — The Week US, TheWeek, 20 July 2026
  • The presentation blends stories, historical context and quilt traditions to see how textiles are powerful tools for communication, telling stories and preserving culture.
    — La Jolla Light, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 July 2026
Definition of telling
Verb
  • The Cheerleaders and Anna Kate Sundvold posted a video of Chalamet meeting the group and expressing his starstruckedness.
    — Bethy Squires, Vulture, 15 July 2026
  • Social media has been flooded with posts from users in Colombia, Chile, Uruguay, Ecuador and Peru questioning refereeing decisions or expressing disapproval of Argentina, while messages mocking rival teams also proliferated from Argentine accounts.
    — Kate Linthicum, Los Angeles Times, 15 July 2026
Definition of expressing
Verb
  • The youngest Lestat trips over reciting a passage about being encircled by God’s love.
    — Sabrina Reed, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026
  • The music video shows Jelly arriving at San Quentin Rehabilitation Center in San Francisco, while reciting a prayer in a voiceover.
    — Escher Walcott, PEOPLE, 18 July 2026
Definition of reciting
Verb
  • One of the biggest mistakes that business leaders make amid expansion is assuming customers in new markets have the same wants, needs, emotional reactions and behaviors.
    — Andrea Aker, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
  • In addition, the vote-by-mail ballots postmarked before or on Election Day need to be counted, too — assuming they are received by a county elections office no later than seven days after the election, the secretary of state’s office said.
    — Paris Barraza, USA Today, 17 July 2026
Definition of assuming
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, 14 July 2026
  • The latter line, in its phrasing and melody and even the musical tone of its words, is an almost perfect mimic of Santa Claus asking Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer to guide his sleigh.
    — Sadie Sartini Garner, Pitchfork, 14 July 2026
Definition of word
Verb
  • Spend time talking to the K18 co-founder and CEO and one thing becomes immediately obvious.
    — Kate Hardcastle, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
  • What was your fatal flaw in the game that led to you talking to me right now?
    — Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 17 July 2026
Definition of talking
Verb
  • In September, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services sent a notice denying her coverage, citing incorrect income information and stating she wasn't disabled, according to Kolosova and state documents reviewed by KFF Health News.
    — Rachana Pradhan, NPR, 20 July 2026
  • The Menlo Park Fire Protection District received a call during the week of July 13 stating that a dog had entered a body of water and was swimming.
    — Raven Brunner, PEOPLE, 20 July 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 21 Jul. 2026.

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