1
as in to deny
to declare not to be true
it can't be gainsaid that most people wish they had more time and money
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to contradict
to make an assertion that is contrary to one made by (another)
repeatedly tried to gainsay me, though every point I made was backed up by facts
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of gainsay
Summer will soon arrive, the skies are sunny and the fields are green; and if a person wants to bet, nobody should gainsay that choice (through regulations, at least).
—
David B. McGarry, Baltimore Sun, 21 Apr. 2025
Within these rules, the CFPB cannot be gainsaid by anyone — not Congress, the Fed or the president.
—Stephen L. Carter, The Mercury News, 23 May 2024
It cannot be gainsaid that Biden cooperated and Trump obstructed.
—Andrew C. McCarthy, National Review, 2 Mar. 2024
There’s a way to gainsay that impression — and inform voters of the rivals’ actual positions on the issues: Put the two candidates side by side on a debate stage for an extended period of time.
—Matthew Yglesias, Twin Cities, 31 Jan. 2024
See All Example Sentences for gainsay
David B. McGarry, Baltimore Sun, 21 Apr. 2025
Within these rules, the CFPB cannot be gainsaid by anyone — not Congress, the Fed or the president.
—Stephen L. Carter, The Mercury News, 23 May 2024
It cannot be gainsaid that Biden cooperated and Trump obstructed.
—Andrew C. McCarthy, National Review, 2 Mar. 2024
There’s a way to gainsay that impression — and inform voters of the rivals’ actual positions on the issues: Put the two candidates side by side on a debate stage for an extended period of time.
—Matthew Yglesias, Twin Cities, 31 Jan. 2024
See All Example Sentences for gainsay
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gainsay
Verb
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Officials said that after Cooper’s arrest, the first victim, a runaway, was crying hysterically and denied any involvement in prostitution.—
Samantha Lee,
Los Angeles Times,
2 May 2026
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Agresta denied news reports about the sloths dying from the cold, instead pinning the cause on viral infections, Inside Climate News said.—
Cristóbal Reyes,
The Orlando Sentinel,
1 May 2026
Verb
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During their investigation, police found evidence that contradicted Kirby's explanation.—
JT Moodee Lockman,
CBS News,
27 Apr. 2026
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The survey also surfaced enduring public concerns over the police shooting death of 17-year-old Laquan McDonald in October 2014 and the 13-month delay under then-Mayor Rahm Emanuel before the public release of body camera footage videos contradicting police statements.—
Rick Pearson,
Chicago Tribune,
26 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Trump refuted those accusations in a heated interview with 60 Minutes host Norah O’Donnell on Sunday.—
Mabinty Quarshie,
The Washington Examiner,
27 Apr. 2026
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Pavlovski refuted a claim made by a witness on Monday that McGee and Jenkins had struggled over the gun that was used to shoot Jenkins.—
Shelley Jones,
Chicago Tribune,
24 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The court rejected the argument, concluding that a prospective rate hearing — unlike that on the response time — would be considered contested and the utility would have the opportunity to challenge the finding of imprudence then.—
Edmund H. Mahony,
Hartford Courant,
29 Apr. 2026
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The legislation passed with broad bipartisan support in the Senate, but some Republicans rejected the bill, opposing earmarking millions more to maintain the fortified Capitol and equip it with the staff necessary to keep the screenings going.—
Caroline Cummings,
CBS News,
28 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Gainsay.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gainsay. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
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