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
  • Their findings paint a more complicated picture, one that her mother has denied.
    Brian Brant, People.com, 28 Feb. 2025
  • Andrew Tate was also charged with rape, and both brothers have denied all accusations.
    Compiled by Democrat-Gazette staff from wire reports, arkansasonline.com, 28 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • His response directly contradicts the IMF’s report and the media coverage surrounding the prevention of further accumulation.
    Javier Bastardo, Forbes, 4 Mar. 2025
  • Ivana Saric 4 hours ago - Politics & Policy Kremlin contradicts Trump's claim on peacekeeping forces in Ukraine The Kremlin emphasized Tuesday that Russia had not dropped its opposition to peacekeeping forces in Ukraine, contradicting a claim that President Trump made a day earlier.
    Peter Sullivan, Axios, 24 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Writer/director Isaiah Saxon, who made his directorial debut with the feature, took to X to refute assumptions that AI was involved.
    Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 28 Feb. 2025
  • Two recent reports may refute the view, fueled by recent accidents, that commercial aviation has somehow become less safe.
    Ted Reed, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Albritton has rejected the idea of passing an open carry bill this year.
    Romy Ellenbogen, Miami Herald, 7 Mar. 2025
  • While some states complied and the NCAA revised its own trans athlete policy, states like Minnesota have rejected changes to their policies.
    Scott Thompson, Fox News, 7 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Gainsay.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gainsay. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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