unsay

verb

un·​say ˌən-ˈsā How to pronounce unsay (audio)
 Southern also  -ˈse
unsaid ˌən-ˈsed How to pronounce unsay (audio) ; unsaying ˌən-ˈsā-iŋ How to pronounce unsay (audio)

transitive verb

: to make as if not said : recant, retract

Examples of unsay in a Sentence

the witness tried to unsay the very testimony that he had given a few days earlier
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
But how can a filmmaker conjure up something unsaid and unseen about someone so widely revered, and still indelibly present in culture today? Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 27 Jan. 2025 After watching Starbase’s development proceed since 2014, locals there told me that there is much unseen and unsaid about what happens on the ground while an aerospace giant shoots for the stars. Robert A. Kopack, The Conversation, 17 Jan. 2025 What went unsaid, because neither EW nor anyone could tell the future, was that Hollywood was entering a crisis era for movie stars. Joe Reid, Vulture, 26 Dec. 2024 Left unsaid: Denver’s run game, outside of Nix’s improvisational scrambles, floundered in the season’s biggest moment. Nick Kosmider, The Athletic, 15 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for unsay

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unsay was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Unsay.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unsay. Accessed 27 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

unsay

verb
un·​say ˌən-ˈsā How to pronounce unsay (audio)
ˈən-
unsaid -ˈsed How to pronounce unsay (audio) ; unsaying -ˈsā-iŋ How to pronounce unsay (audio)
: to take back something said : retract
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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