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Definition of gainsaynext

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb gainsay differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of gainsay are contradict, contravene, and deny. While all these words mean "to refuse to accept as true or valid," gainsay implies disputing the truth of what another has said.

no one can gainsay her claims

When is contradict a more appropriate choice than gainsay?

The synonyms contradict and gainsay are sometimes interchangeable, but contradict implies an open or flat denial.

her account contradicts his

When might contravene be a better fit than gainsay?

While the synonyms contravene and gainsay are close in meaning, contravene implies not so much an intentional opposition as some inherent incompatibility.

laws that contravene tradition

When would deny be a good substitute for gainsay?

In some situations, the words deny and gainsay are roughly equivalent. However, deny implies a firm refusal to accept as true, to grant or concede, or to acknowledge the existence or claims of.

denied the charges

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of gainsay Summer will soon arrive, the skies are sunny and the fields are green; and if a person wants to bet, nobody should gainsay that choice (through regulations, at least). David B. McGarry, Baltimore Sun, 21 Apr. 2025 Within these rules, the CFPB cannot be gainsaid by anyone — not Congress, the Fed or the president. Stephen L. Carter, The Mercury News, 23 May 2024 It cannot be gainsaid that Biden cooperated and Trump obstructed. Andrew C. McCarthy, National Review, 2 Mar. 2024 There’s a way to gainsay that impression — and inform voters of the rivals’ actual positions on the issues: Put the two candidates side by side on a debate stage for an extended period of time. Matthew Yglesias, Twin Cities, 31 Jan. 2024 See All Example Sentences for gainsay
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gainsay
Verb
  • He was charged with first-degree murder but denied any involvement.
    Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 11 Jan. 2026
  • Squeeze Burger announced Tuesday that its sole remaining brick-and-mortar in Roseville is set to close later this month, after its proposal for a new lease was reportedly denied.
    Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 10 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Rusev pointed to his own match history in AEW as evidence contradicting the rumors.
    Andrew Ravens‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2025
  • The research had significant limitations, was not designed to be able to prove cause and effect, and contradicts previous studies that indicated positives for heart health.
    Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 4 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Graphic videos are being cited to refute the administration's assertion that the shooting was justified.
    George Petras, USA Today, 8 Jan. 2026
  • Trump administration claims that Good attacked or tried to run over ICE agents before the shooting have been refuted by the videos captured during the incident.
    Carlos E. Castañeda, CBS News, 8 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Bonta rejected the allegations as unsubstantiated and said the states were targeted solely because of their political leadership.
    Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 9 Jan. 2026
  • For at least the third time in just over a year, Humphrey has rejected most serious charges against rule-breaking cops.
    Stephanie Stremplewski, Louisville Courier Journal, 9 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Gainsay.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gainsay. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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