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Definition of naysay

naysay

/ˈneɪ.seɪ/
nay · say
Adjective:naysaying
•
Past Simple:naysaid
•
Past Participle:naysaid
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Present Participle:naysaying
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naysay Lexical Profile

naysay Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To oppose, deny, or express pessimistic skepticism toward (a proposal, idea, or endeavor).

Example

"Critics were quick to naysay the ambitious infrastructure project before reviewing the engineering blueprints."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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Word Nuance & Usage

The verb 'naysay' is most frequently encountered in its gerund/present participle form 'naysaying' or the agent noun 'naysayer', while its past tense can be conjugated either regularly as 'naysayed' or irregularly as 'naysaid'.

• Nearby Words

navy beans
nay
naypyidaw
naysay
naysayer
naysaying
nazi

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in Middle English as a compound of 'nay' (from Old Norse 'nei', meaning 'no') and 'say' (from Old English 'secgan'), originally meaning literally to say 'no' to or refuse.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Naysay. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/naysay
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