Gainsay
verb
To deny, dispute or contradict something.
No one can gainsay the fact that the earth revolves around the sun.

Often appears as...
- gainsay someone's authority
- gainsay a fact
Usage tips
Formal
verb
To oppose or resist with boldness and assurance.
Despite the critics, he was never afraid to gainsay mainstream opinions.

Often appears as...
- gainsay a decision
- gainsay a verdict
Usage tips
Formal
verb
To deny, dispute or contradict something.
No one can gainsay the fact that the earth revolves around the sun.

Often appears as...
- gainsay someone's authority
- gainsay a fact
Usage tips
Formal
verb
To oppose or resist with boldness and assurance.
Despite the critics, he was never afraid to gainsay mainstream opinions.

Often appears as...
- gainsay a decision
- gainsay a verdict
Usage tips
Formal
Definition 1 of 2

Strong Disagreement
Gainsay expresses a firm and strong disagreement with someone or something.

She would gainsay any suggestion that was against her principles.
Intensity
Using 'gainsay' adds intensity to the act of disputing a statement.

His theories were difficult to gainsay because of the extensive evidence.
Literary Flair
The word 'gainsay' has a literary quality and might be more common in written texts.

In his novels, the protagonist would often gainsay societal norms.
Strong Disagreement
Gainsay expresses a firm and strong disagreement with someone or something.

She would gainsay any suggestion that was against her principles.
Intensity
Using 'gainsay' adds intensity to the act of disputing a statement.

His theories were difficult to gainsay because of the extensive evidence.
Literary Flair
The word 'gainsay' has a literary quality and might be more common in written texts.

In his novels, the protagonist would often gainsay societal norms.
Strong Disagreement
Gainsay expresses a firm and strong disagreement with someone or something.

She would gainsay any suggestion that was against her principles.
Intensity
Using 'gainsay' adds intensity to the act of disputing a statement.

His theories were difficult to gainsay because of the extensive evidence.
Literary Flair
The word 'gainsay' has a literary quality and might be more common in written texts.

In his novels, the protagonist would often gainsay societal norms.
Quote examples
Ted Cassidy
American Actor
There is no gainsaying that Lurch has put me where I am today. Lurch bought the house I live in. But what's going to happen to a guy like me when it's over? What happens when the show dies in maybe five years? Do I die too? No! I want to go on with other things.

Quote examples
Ted Cassidy
American Actor
There is no gainsaying that Lurch has put me where I am today. Lurch bought the house I live in. But what's going to happen to a guy like me when it's over? What happens when the show dies in maybe five years? Do I die too? No! I want to go on with other things.

Example 1 of 1
WordUp Chrome Extension
As you browse the web instantly look up words you don’t know.
Get Chrome Extension