unsay

[ uhn-sey ]

verb (used with object)

, un·said, un·say·ing.

1. to withdraw (something said), as if it had never been said; retract.

unsay

/ ʌnˈseɪ /

verb

1. tr to retract or withdraw (something said or written)

Word History and Origins

Origin of unsay¹

First recorded in 1425–75, unsay is from the late Middle English word unsayen. See un- ², say ¹

Example Sentences

But as soon as I said it, I couldn't unsay it.

From Salon

Afterward she always apologized, but she couldn’t unsay what she'd just said.

From Literature

But having said it, he spent the rest of the campaign unsaying it.

From Washington Post

I know that I cannot unsay those words, but please accept my sincerest apologies.”

From Washington Post

“I know that I cannot unsay the words, but please accept my apologies.”

From Fox News

Related Words

• back down
• back off
• cancel
• deny
• disavow
• disown
• pull back
• recant
• renege
• renounce
• repeal
• repudiate
• rescind
• reverse
• revoke
• rule out
• take back
• withdraw