say

Examples

• All

• The tenant has no say in the matter and is stuck with the utility bills.

  Academic text (1999)

• I'm tired of being treated like someone who doesn't have a say in his own life.

  Material (2012)

• Let the animal or the kid have a say so in it.

• Do I have a say in this?

  Back to Black (2024)

• But we also want to have some say in the direction the company is taking.

  Academic text (1996)

• Norway is part of the single market but has no say in setting its rules.

  10 Downing Street

• Ms. Bingum, you're welcome to advise your client, but you have no say in these proceedings.

  Joey & Rex Save the Church (2022)

• Well, then how come I don’t have any say in this thing?

  Shallow Hal (2001)

• You've had your say.

  Sweet Smell of Success (1957)

• Everyone should have a say in the future of the community.

Antonyms

S

silence

660 2.0

A period with no sound or speech

C

censorship

119 4.8

A system that removes parts of books, films or news that people find harmful

Idioms

S

say what

• Informal

68 9.8

A short phrase showing surprise and not believing what someone said

T

to say the least

• Informal

66 4.2

Shows that something is much worse than it seems

I

to I dare say

• UK

43 6.5

Said, often politely, to show you think something is likely to be true

T

that is to say

37 3.5

To say something more clearly

S

to say it all

• Informal

37 4.6

To show feelings or meaning without words

W

wouldn't you say

31 6.2

Asking someone if they agree with what you said

A

as we say

23 5.6

To show that a phrase is not meant exactly but is a common way to say something

S

to say cheese

• Informal

18 4.6

To ask people to smile for a photo

I

if you say so

• Informal

15 7.7

Accept what someone says while showing doubt or little interest

T

to say nothing of

6 6.1

To mention an extra fact that makes the situation seem more surprising or serious

S

say no more

• Informal

5 4.1

To tell someone you understand and will do what they want without more explanation

E

easy for you to say

• Informal

3 9.1

Saying advice is easy when you are not in the same situation

I

I dare say

• UK

3 7.7

Said when you doubt what someone says, often ironically

S

to say no more

• Informal

3 4.9

To stop talking because more words are not needed or would not be right

S

to say uncle

• Informal

2 8.9

To give up because of pressure or pain

S

to say less and mean more

1 7.9

To show a strong idea with very few words

S

to say the quiet part loud

• UK

1 9.1

To openly say something people usually keep secret

B

before you can say knife

• UK

9.9

It happens very quickly

C

can't say fairer than that

9.9

An offer that is as fair as possible and cannot be better

L

let's not and say we did

• Informal

9.9

To refuse something by joking that you already did it

S

to say you swear

• Informal

8.5

Ask someone to promise they are telling the truth or will keep a secret

T

the hell you say

• Informal

9.9

A strong spoken reaction showing surprise and disbelief

Compounds

S

say-so

87 5.6

Permission that a person in charge gives to do something

F

final say

14 4.0

The power to make the last decision in a matter

S

Say Hey Kid

3 9.4

A friendly nickname people use for baseball player Willie Mays

N

never-say-die

• Informal

2 7.4

A person who shows strong hope and refuses to give up

How Much

final say

14 4.0

say

189 3.8

Surface Forms

Etymology