as in to retract
to solemnly or formally reject or go back on (as something formerly adhered to)
the witness tried to unsay the very testimony that he had given a few days earlier
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Recent Examples of unsay
My next feature will explore the emotional violence of silence against women – the things left unsaid, the complicity of those who look away.
—
Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 14 Feb. 2026
Instead, symbols, especially flowers, became powerful ways to communicate feelings that might otherwise go unsaid.
—Alexandra Emanuelli, Southern Living, 3 Feb. 2026
Not a historical correction, but an emotional one: an impolite acknowledgment of something people feel they are usually expected to soften, qualify, or leave unsaid.
—Philip Martin, Washington Post, 26 Jan. 2026
After the release of their 2023 album Table for Two, the alternative pop-rock duo recognized that there were a lot of things left unsaid.
—Jordana Comiter, PEOPLE, 16 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unsay
Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 14 Feb. 2026
Instead, symbols, especially flowers, became powerful ways to communicate feelings that might otherwise go unsaid.
—Alexandra Emanuelli, Southern Living, 3 Feb. 2026
Not a historical correction, but an emotional one: an impolite acknowledgment of something people feel they are usually expected to soften, qualify, or leave unsaid.
—Philip Martin, Washington Post, 26 Jan. 2026
After the release of their 2023 album Table for Two, the alternative pop-rock duo recognized that there were a lot of things left unsaid.
—Jordana Comiter, PEOPLE, 16 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unsay
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unsay
Verb
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Initially hidden, the rotary controller—emblazoned with the Spirit of Ecstasy icon—is revealed when the armrest retracts upon entry.—
Viju Mathew,
Robb Report,
14 Apr. 2026
-
Self-retracting nozzles are the most hygienic.—
BestReviews,
Mercury News,
13 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
President Ahmed al-Sharaa is a one-time al-Qaeda commander who renounced the ideology before taking power.—
Jane Arraf,
NPR,
11 Apr. 2026
-
The race’s queen has decided to renounce her throne … probably.—
Nicole Bennett,
AJC.com,
10 Apr. 2026
Verb
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In turn, Canadian prosecutors will withdraw all 14 murder charges laid against Kenneth Law, lawyer Matthew Gourlay told CBC News.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
18 Apr. 2026
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When the San Francisco Chronicle published its investigation, Swalwell’s campaign collapsed within 48 hours, indicating that the evidence was sufficiently substantial to immediately persuade political allies, campaign chairs, and fellow Democrats to withdraw their support.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
17 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The judge denied the defendants’ request to dismiss the negligence, emotional distress and punitive damages claims.—
Meg James,
Los Angeles Times,
18 Apr. 2026
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Meanwhile, Baldwin and his legal team worked to get the involuntary manslaughter charges dismissed before the July 2024 trial, though their attempt was initially denied.—
Gillian Telling,
PEOPLE,
17 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Trump’s decision to wage war against Iran directly contradicts the national security strategy his administration released in November 2025.—
Jeffrey Taliaferro,
The Conversation,
11 Apr. 2026
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Lying in this crypt is Nathan Lane’s Willy Loman, a tragic humbug, his delusions contradicted by the ruins around him.—
Hilton Als,
New Yorker,
10 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Unsay.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unsay. Accessed 18 Apr. 2026.
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