say
15 synonyms and 3 antonyms for say, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To speak words; to express something out loud or in writing.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use say
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old English secgan, "to say" — an ancient Germanic verb related to German sagen and Dutch zeggen.
Full origin of say →Frequently asked questions
What does “say” mean?
The word “say” means to speak words; to express something out loud or in writing. In plain terms, the everyday verb for speaking or expressing something, plus a noun sense for having influence in a decision.
How do you pronounce “say”?
“Say” is pronounced say (/seɪ/ in IPA).
How do you use “say” in a sentence?
Here is “say” used in a sentence: “What did the email say about the deadline?”
What is another word for “say”?
Words with a similar meaning to “say” include blather, dictate, gab, report, speak and state.
What is the opposite of “say”?
The opposite of “say” — its antonyms — are sign, signal and write.
What part of speech is “say”?
Depending on how it is used, “say” can be a verb, a noun and an intj.
Where does the word “say” come from?
The word “say” comes from Old English. From Old English secgan, "to say" — an ancient Germanic verb related to German sagen and Dutch zeggen.
Is “say” a common word?
“Say” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
What is the difference between say and tell?
'Say' focuses on the words spoken and does not need a listener named, as in 'she said hello.' 'Tell' focuses on the person receiving the information and is usually followed by an object, as in 'she told me the news.' You say something to someone, but you tell someone something.
What is the difference between say and speak?
'Speak' refers to the act or ability of talking, often without stating the exact words, as in 'she speaks quietly' or 'he speaks French.' 'Say' introduces the specific words or message expressed, as in 'she said she was tired.' In short, you speak a language but you say a particular thing.
Is 'say' an irregular verb?
Yes. 'Say' does not take the regular -ed ending. Its past tense and past participle are both 'said,' pronounced 'sed,' as in 'he said yes' and 'it was said.' The present participle is 'saying.' Note that the spelling of 'said' also changes from the base form.
What is an example of 'say' in a sentence?
'Please say your name clearly' asks someone to speak specific words. 'The sign says the shop is closed' shows 'say' used for written information. 'What did she say?' asks about the exact words expressed. In each, 'say' points to the message itself rather than the listener.