unsay

verb

un·​say ˌən-ˈsā How to pronounce unsay (audio)
 Southern also  -ˈse
unsaid ˌən-ˈsed How to pronounce unsay (audio) ; unsaying ˌən-ˈsā-iŋ How to pronounce unsay (audio)

transitive verb

: to make as if not said : recant, retract

Examples of unsay in a Sentence

the witness tried to unsay the very testimony that he had given a few days earlier
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Left largely unsaid by all parties involved is the financial situation Tucker is in. Phil Rogers, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2025 And although it is mostly left unsaid, Clark’s kindness and values come from how he was raised — by loving parents in America’s heartland. Los Angeles Times, 12 July 2025 What’s left unsaid by those Republicans now questioning Israel’s conduct, though, is the extent to which Trump has exacerbated conditions on the ground for Gaza’s civilians. Susan B. Glasser, New Yorker, 31 July 2025 But long before your first word, the real decision is already circling—in the glances, in the pauses, in what’s left unsaid. Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes.com, 22 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for unsay

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unsay was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unsay.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unsay. Accessed 25 Aug. 2025.

Kids Definition

unsay

verb
un·​say ˌən-ˈsā How to pronounce unsay (audio)
ˈən-
unsaid -ˈsed How to pronounce unsay (audio) ; unsaying -ˈsā-iŋ How to pronounce unsay (audio)
: to take back something said : retract
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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