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.
AEs will still need to articulate complex ideas clearly, ask thoughtful questions and adapt to what’s unsaid. Ray Makela, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025 Again, left unsaid, Hegseth put them there before moving them out. Chris Brennan, USA Today, 25 Apr. 2025 Kanye West) has, once again, set the net ablaze with a jaw-dropping interview that left no name unsaid. Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 31 Mar. 2025 But left unsaid is how a government shutdown could help deliver on President Donald Trump and Elon Musk's key goal to drastically shrink the federal bureaucracy. Raja Krishnamoorthi, Newsweek, 13 Mar. 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 15 May. 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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