🗣️ To speak 🪧 To show information 👀 To show without words 💭 To suppose 🗳️ An opinion

to say

∞ 1.0

Give information in writing or on a sign

verb
/seɪ/

Informal

: decir

You don't, you know, ignore signs that say wrong way.
the law says
the court says
the Supreme Court says

There should be a DVD that says Hogan on it.

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Examples

Atlanta City Attorney Cathy Hampton says, "We do not comment on pending litigation matters."

Academic text (2011)
My contacts all say he's building something.

Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015)
Oh my God, this one just says Max.
One law might just say you stay the same.
Do I have to go, Doc, just because they say so?

Stagecoach (1939)
The words we choose and how we say them say everything about who.

Academic text (2011)
Oh, the results are in, It says no red flags.

Babes (2024)
That's what it says, though, right?

Back to Black (2024)
If it's going to be 9:42, then just say 9:42.

Hell of a Summer (2023)
The sign at the intersection clearly says to stop before proceeding.

Synonyms

to read

vsto say

783 2.9

To use certain words in a text or sign

indicates information broadly rather than focusing on exact wording

Idioms

say what

Informal

68 9.8

A short phrase showing surprise and not believing what someone said

to say the least

Informal

66 4.2

Shows that something is much worse than it seems

to I dare say

43 6.5

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

that is to say

37 3.5

To say something more clearly

to say it all

Informal

37 4.6

To show feelings or meaning without words

wouldn't you say

31 6.2

Asking someone if they agree with what you said

as we say

23 5.6

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

to say cheese

Informal

18 4.6

To ask people to smile for a photo

if you say so

Informal

15 7.7

Accept what someone says while showing doubt or little interest

to say nothing of

6 6.1

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

say no more

Informal

5 4.1

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

easy for you to say

Informal

3 9.1

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

I dare say

3 7.7

Said when you doubt what someone says, often ironically

to say no more

Informal

3 4.9

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

to say uncle

Informal

2 8.9

To give up because of pressure or pain

to say less and mean more

1 7.9

To show a strong idea with very few words

to say the quiet part loud

1 9.1

To openly say something people usually keep secret

before you can say knife

9.9

It happens very quickly

can't say fairer than that

9.9

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

let's not and say we did

Informal

9.9

To refuse something by joking that you already did it

to say you swear

Informal

8.5

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

the hell you say

Informal

9.9

A strong spoken reaction showing surprise and disbelief

Phrasal Verbs

to say goodbye

562 1.0

To tell someone you are leaving and wish them well

to just say

Informal

412 6.5

Ask someone to tell you when they have enough or want more

to say again

89 1.6

Repeat what you just said so others can hear or understand

to say that again

Informal

52 4.2

Ask someone to repeat what they just said or agree strongly with a comment

to have a say

46 3.1

To be able to give an opinion and influence a decision

to say grace

35 5.5

To say a short prayer of thanks before a meal

to say when

22 7.4

Tell the person who is pouring when to stop

to say farewell

Formal

12 3.8

To tell someone goodbye before you leave, often in a formal or sad way

to say hooroo

Australian

9.9

To say goodbye to someone in a friendly, informal way

to say less and listen

Informal

7.5

To speak less and pay attention to other people's words

Compounds

say-so

87 5.6

Permission that a person in charge gives to do something

final say

14 4.0

The power to make the last decision in a matter

Say Hey Kid

3 9.4

A friendly nickname people use for baseball player Willie Mays

never-say-die

Informal

2 7.4

A person who shows strong hope and refuses to give up

How Clear

to state

∞ 1.6

to say

Informal

∞ 1.0

to suggest

∞ 2.1

to imply

367 3.5

Surface Forms

say infinitive

saying present participle

says third person singular

said past

said past participle

Etymology

Say comes from the old English secgan meaning 'to tell', which is why we use say for signs, letters, or instructions that 'tell' or show information.