as in say
the right to express a wish, choice, or opinion
some of the members complained they didn't have any say-so in how the organization spent its funds
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 say-so
Approved projects could then be built without the city council’s say-so.
—
Kim Velsey, Curbed, 24 Oct. 2025
None are likely to drop everything and come back home, just on Trump’s say-so.
—Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 5 May 2025
At his say-so, a series of military vehicles rolls slowly down the overgrown Seattle streets, followed by a small army of armed soldiers.
—EW.com, 28 Apr. 2025
The Blooms kept a small portion of the business but did not have any say-so in the business’s operations.
—Jenna Thompson, Kansas City Star, 8 Apr. 2025
In most Florida counties, property owners whose land is unincorporated but abuts a city can petition to enter the city boundaries without county government having a say-so.
—Stephen Hudak, Orlando Sentinel, 17 Mar. 2025
Never ever move money anywhere on the say-so of someone who has reached out to you by phone.
—Zak Doffman, Forbes, 18 Jan. 2025
In recognition that spending cuts cannot take place without congressional say-so, members have formed counterpart caucuses on Capitol Hill.
—Sarah Fortinsky, The Hill, 17 Dec. 2024
Kim Velsey, Curbed, 24 Oct. 2025
None are likely to drop everything and come back home, just on Trump’s say-so.
—Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 5 May 2025
At his say-so, a series of military vehicles rolls slowly down the overgrown Seattle streets, followed by a small army of armed soldiers.
—EW.com, 28 Apr. 2025
The Blooms kept a small portion of the business but did not have any say-so in the business’s operations.
—Jenna Thompson, Kansas City Star, 8 Apr. 2025
In most Florida counties, property owners whose land is unincorporated but abuts a city can petition to enter the city boundaries without county government having a say-so.
—Stephen Hudak, Orlando Sentinel, 17 Mar. 2025
Never ever move money anywhere on the say-so of someone who has reached out to you by phone.
—Zak Doffman, Forbes, 18 Jan. 2025
In recognition that spending cuts cannot take place without congressional say-so, members have formed counterpart caucuses on Capitol Hill.
—Sarah Fortinsky, The Hill, 17 Dec. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for say-so
Noun
-
And now her husband has gifted her with an executive order that will give her a say over who collects management fees for handling potentially trillions of dollars in wealth.—
Susan Shelley,
Oc Register,
28 Mar. 2026
-
Nominations and voting give residents a say in which companies are honored each year.—
Community's Choice Awards,
The Providence Journal,
28 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The notes bounced over the lapping water, and people’s voices came in fragments.—
Cassandra Neyenesch,
New Yorker,
29 Mar. 2026
-
And these unlikely advocates are determined to use their voices for good.—
Lauren Clark,
CBS News,
29 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Stock Chart IconStock chart icon Nebius shares year-to-date.—
Kai Nicol-Schwarz,
CNBC,
31 Mar. 2026
-
And a disproportionate share of Florida workers are employed in seasonal or part-time industries, like tourism, meaning fewer receive insurance through their employers.—
Max Klaver,
Miami Herald,
31 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Say-so.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/say-so. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
