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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
  • In most fields workers are prone to deny a problem and even pretend to enjoy the abuse.
    James L. Edwards III, The Athletic, 13 Mar. 2025
  • The Idaho Senate this week approved a joint resolution to deny voters the authority to legalize cannabis through a statewide ballot initiative.
    A.J. Herrington, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Denying the existence of trans people, bullying them, or undermining their rights contradicts all of these core moral values.
    Rev. Dr. Serene Jones, TIME, 17 Mar. 2025
  • But when discussing the deal, Mavericks owner Patrick Dumont seemed to completely contradict the reasons of Harrison.
    Raja Krishnamoorthi, Newsweek, 13 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • However, according to The Washington Post, current and former USAID officials refuted Musk’s claims.
    Jennifer Lotito, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025
  • If the opening set introduced any doubts, though, the rest of the show refuted them.
    Abby Webster, Billboard, 14 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Supreme Court Justice Roberts rejects Trump’s call for impeaching a judge who ruled against his deportation plans.
    Ryan Fonseca, Los Angeles Times, 19 Mar. 2025
  • This idea of spreading the games out as widely as possible was rejected by Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois on Real Madrid TV after Saturday’s win at Villarreal.
    Dermot Corrigan, The Athletic, 19 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Gainsay.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gainsay. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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