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Synonyms

saying

American  
[sey-ing] / ˈseɪ ɪŋ /

noun

  1. something said, say, especially a proverb or apothegm.

    Synonyms:
    aphorism, saw, adage, maxim

idioms

  1. go without saying, to be completely self-evident; be understood.

    It goes without saying that you are welcome to visit us at any time.
saying British  
/ ˈseɪɪŋ /

noun

  1. a maxim, adage, or proverb

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of saying

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English (gerund); say 1, -ing 1

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Ms. Bondi’s great fault is that she was never good at saying no.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 2, 2026

Montgomery County Police responded to a call Sunday saying a pedestrian had been struck by a car.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 2, 2026

On Tuesday, a federal judge ordered a halt to construction, saying Trump needed congressional approval.

From Barron's • Apr. 2, 2026

Craig Hammond, who runs a butchers in Matfield, said he was planning to close on Thursday, saying it was impossible to stay open for "hygiene reasons."

From BBC • Apr. 2, 2026

Then a blur seemed to move over the scene, for Karel was saying, “Corrie, I want you to meet my fiancée.”

From "The Hiding Place" by Corrie ten Boom

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.