GAINSAY Synonyms: 59 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'gainsay' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of gainsay are contradict , contravene , and deny . While all these words mean "to refuse to accept as true or valid," gainsay implies disputing the truth of what another has said. // no one can gainsay her claims

Q: When is 'contradict' a more appropriate choice than 'gainsay'?

The synonyms contradict and gainsay are sometimes interchangeable, but contradict implies an open or flat denial. // her account contradicts his

Q: When might 'contravene' be a better fit than 'gainsay'?

While the synonyms contravene and gainsay are close in meaning, contravene implies not so much an intentional opposition as some inherent incompatibility. // laws that contravene tradition

Q: When would 'deny' be a good substitute for 'gainsay'?

In some situations, the words deny and gainsay are roughly equivalent. However, deny implies a firm refusal to accept as true, to grant or concede, or to acknowledge the existence or claims of. // denied the charges

gainsay

verb

ˌgān-ˈsā

Definition of gainsay next

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

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb gainsay differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of gainsay are contradict, contravene, and deny. While all these words mean "to refuse to accept as true or valid," gainsay implies disputing the truth of what another has said.

no one can gainsay her claims

When is contradict a more appropriate choice than gainsay?

The synonyms contradict and gainsay are sometimes interchangeable, but contradict implies an open or flat denial.

her account contradicts his

When might contravene be a better fit than gainsay?

While the synonyms contravene and gainsay are close in meaning, contravene implies not so much an intentional opposition as some inherent incompatibility.

laws that contravene tradition

When would deny be a good substitute for gainsay?

In some situations, the words deny and gainsay are roughly equivalent. However, deny implies a firm refusal to accept as true, to grant or concede, or to acknowledge the existence or claims of.

denied the charges

Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of gainsay It cannot be gainsaid that the FBI has brought these problems on itself. —

The Editors, National Review, 12 Dec. 2023 Pelosi in the House was where Alexandra first used show-trial video, making J6 the central illustration of feminist power, yet gainsaying her mother’s involvement in events of that day. —

Armond White, National Review, 25 Oct. 2023 None of this is to gainsay the help that western European allies have provided to Ukraine or to minimize the constraints that hamper them from doing more. —

A. Wess Mitchell, Foreign Affairs, 5 July 2023 There are a lot of arguments that can be put forward to gainsay the importance of this set of charges. —

Tyler Foggatt, The New Yorker, 17 June 2023 See all Example Sentences for gainsay

Recent Examples of Synonyms for gainsay

Verb

And the Supreme Court has reaffirmed it in the years since — including in the 1982 case Plyler v. Doe, which held that states cannot deny students a free public education based on their immigration status.

— Rachel Treisman, NPR, 23 Jan. 2025
Her office denied Spotlight on Maryland’s interview requests, but provided a comment from the legislator.

— Gary Collins, Baltimore Sun, 23 Jan. 2025