saying 1 of 2

noun

ˈsā-iŋ How to pronounce saying (audio)
Definition of sayingnext
as in proverb
an often stated observation regarding something from common experience there's an old saying that you should let sleeping dogs lie

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saying

2 of 2

verb

present participle of say
1
as in telling
to express (a thought or emotion) in words why don't you just say what's on your mind?

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2
as in expressing
to convey in appropriate or telling terms I'm not quite sure how to say this, but that's the worst essay I've ever read

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3
as in reciting
to give from memory say your prayers

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4
as in assuming
to take as true or as a fact without actual proof let's say, for the sake of argument, that this is true

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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 saying
Noun
Good fences might make good neighbors, as the old saying goes, but would a silk fence make a good fence? — Reed Jackson, SPIN, 6 Oct. 2026 As the old saying goes, the lightbulb was not the result of the continuous improvement of candles. — Brian Solis, Forbes.com, 5 Oct. 2026
Verb
State election groups condemned the mailings, saying staff should not fear for their safety. — Lisa Mascaro, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2026 The publisher was so glad, saying thank you because the book is back, and on top of that, the world is discovering that character. — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 15 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for saying
Recent Examples of Synonyms for saying
  1. proverb
  2. telling
  3. expressing
  4. reciting
  5. assuming
  6. word
  7. talking
  8. stating
Noun
  • In American sports, namely college and professional football, head coaches often land on one singular proverb after a victory.
    — Felipe Cardenas, New York Times, 4 Oct. 2026
  • The underlying lesson of the proverb dates back at least to the time of the first Olympics in Greece — nearly 3,000 years ago, for those counting at home.
    — Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 20 Sep. 2026
Definition of proverb
Verb
  • The ad also accuses his Democratic opponent, Brian Poindexter, of telling lies about him.
    — Lara Korte The Washington Post, Arkansas Online, 18 Oct. 2026
  • Our weak college presidents have avoided telling the truth for too long.
    — Bruce Svare, Sportico.com, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of telling
Verb
  • Promising innovation and economic growth doesn't answer questions about electricity bills and corporate accountability, and expressing concern about the technology doesn't explain how to capture its potential benefits.
    — Will Johnson, Time, 21 Oct. 2026
  • Horvath, who represents the Palisades burn area, sent Bass multiple text messages in the weeks that followed the fire expressing frustration over her handling of communications and other issues.
    — David Zahniser, Los Angeles Times, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of expressing
Verb
  • Equipping your agent with this context can set it apart from generic FAQ-reciting chatbots and unlock extraordinary mobile experiences, including helpful, proactive communications.
    — Amanda McGuckin Hager, Forbes.com, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Judging from the first episode, the show is less about reciting peak positions and more focused on the stories surrounding those numbers.
    — Alicia Urrea, Billboard, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of reciting
Verb
  • Check your insurance terms directly rather than assuming elective treatment or related complications are covered.
    — Kaitlyn Gomez, Miami Herald, 16 Oct. 2026
  • However, other analysts have expressed concerns about assuming that take-or-pay legal structures are iron-clad and about equating backlogs with revenue.
    — Tobias Burns, CNBC, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of assuming
Noun
  • Their responses were not edited and are in the candidates’ own words.
    — Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 Oct. 2026
  • The best power pop is simple, direct, and memorable, in both words and sound.
    — Jeff Yerger, Pitchfork, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of word
Verb
  • That level of pure confidence while talking to the person with cold, hard footage is what makes Lisa Barlow the perfect Real Housewife.
    — Tom Smyth, Vulture, 15 Oct. 2026
  • There are so many more interesting things than listening to a bunch of Flock employees talking on a wireless microphone with radio.
    — Nilay Patel, The Verge, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of talking
Verb
  • Fencebridge now denies that figure, stating that the comment was made erroneously, and the figure is closer to $24 million — $13 million for ammunition and $11 million for guns.
    — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 17 Oct. 2026
  • Then a link to a brand called mes° appeared underneath her Instagram handle, which leads to a landing page stating that the hair care brand has been biodesigned by Lawrence and Arcaea, the biotech company founded by MIT grad Jasmina Aganovic.
    — Kathryn Hopkins, Footwear News, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of stating

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Cite this Entry

“Saying.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/saying. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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