naysay

[ ney-sey ]

verb (used with object)

, nay·said, nay·say·ing.

1. to say nay to; deny; reject; oppose.

Word History and Origins

Origin of naysay¹

1765–75; nay + say ¹, or by back formation from naysayer

Example Sentences

“You don’t change a culture overnight. The first part of that is acknowledging what has happened. Nobody can naysay or deny or act ignorant anymore.”

From Washington Post

“I’m a man first and foremost. I didn’t get this far by listening to all the naysay and doubters. I just come to work and do my job every day.”

From Seattle Times

She thought it stank of moisture and car exhaust, but she wouldn’t naysay Sasha.

From Nature

Fighting words, and I’m sure something Germany, Brazil and Japan will be keen to naysay later in the tournament.

From The Guardian

If Cameroon’s dismal antics fuelled the fire for those who naysay African football’s progress, Ghana were depressingly swift to provide the ignition.

From The Guardian