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 It cannot be gainsaid that the FBI has brought these problems on itself. The Editors, National Review, 12 Dec. 2023 Pelosi in the House was where Alexandra first used show-trial video, making J6 the central illustration of feminist power, yet gainsaying her mother’s involvement in events of that day. Armond White, National Review, 25 Oct. 2023 None of this is to gainsay the help that western European allies have provided to Ukraine or to minimize the constraints that hamper them from doing more. A. Wess Mitchell, Foreign Affairs, 5 July 2023 There are a lot of arguments that can be put forward to gainsay the importance of this set of charges. Tyler Foggatt, The New Yorker, 17 June 2023 See All Example Sentences for gainsay
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gainsay
Verb
  • The government of Isla Mujeres also denied that the event was taking place there.
    Charlotte Phillipp, People.com, 5 Apr. 2025
  • At her appearance, the Court denied the state’s motion to detain Formella pre-trial and released her with conditions including no entry into Downers Grove South High School and no contact with anyone under the age of eighteen.
    Michael Dorgan, FOXNews.com, 5 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Iran’s top official appeared to contradict Trump, writing in an opinion article that talks between Tehran and Washington in Oman would be done through an intermediary.
    Filip Timotija, The Hill, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Gaza mass grave Newly released audio and video contradicts the Israeli military’s account of the March 23 attack on first responders in southern Gaza.
    Jade Walker, CNN Money, 8 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Trump’s own Social Security chief eventually refuted the claim.
    Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 31 Mar. 2025
  • His lawyers refute the charges and argue no crimes have been committed that violate his visa.
    Anna Spiegel, Axios, 21 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • The company must take the job listing down and reject all the candidates that applied.
    Kate Wieczorek, Forbes.com, 1 Apr. 2025
  • The proposal has been universally rejected by Palestinians, who view it as forcible displacement from their homeland.
    Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 31 Mar. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Gainsay.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gainsay. Accessed 14 Apr. 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!