not to say

idiom

used to introduce a more forceful or critical way of describing someone or something
He was impolite, not to say downright rude!

Examples of not to say in a Sentence

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.
This recommendation is not to say that newborn and maternal health or access to clean water are not important, life-saving services that everyone on Earth should have. Jess Craig, Vox, 17 Feb. 2025 That’s not to say Republicans have their own house in order. Philip Elliott, TIME, 14 Feb. 2025 While eschewing guarantees eliminates the risk factor for the host network, that’s not to say that the deliveries are wholly devoid of financial implications. Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 7 Feb. 2025 That’s not to say that the Grammys had a perfect run in 2025. Stephen Daw, Billboard, 3 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for not to say 

Dictionary Entries Near not to say

Cite this Entry

“Not to say.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/not%20to%20say. Accessed 22 Feb. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!