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.
This is your chance to say what was left unsaid and show the other person that you’re invested in repairing the relationship. Mark Travers, Forbes, 22 Mar. 2025 What was left unsaid is that the individuals would be knowingly placed into a prison system in which a range of sources have reported widespread human rights abuses at the hands of state forces. Mneesha Gellman, The Conversation, 17 Mar. 2025 But how can a filmmaker conjure up something unsaid and unseen about someone so widely revered, and still indelibly present in culture today? Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 27 Jan. 2025 After watching Starbase’s development proceed since 2014, locals there told me that there is much unseen and unsaid about what happens on the ground while an aerospace giant shoots for the stars. Robert A. Kopack, The Conversation, 17 Jan. 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 2 Apr. 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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