gainsay

[geyn-sey, geyn-sey] / ˈgeɪnˌseɪ, geɪnˈseɪ /

VERB

contradict

Synonyms

STRONG

combat contravene controvert cross deny disagree disclaim disprove dispute fight impugn negate negative oppose refute repudiate resist traverse withstand

WEAK

disaffirm

Antonyms

STRONG

accept acknowledge admit agree aid allow approve assist concur consent endorse go along harmonize help make peace permit prove support surrender uphold yield

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Since June, it’s been harder to gainsay him.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 24, 2025

As an Episcopal priest, I’d be the last person to gainsay the importance of prayer.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 27, 2022

He’s only bringing it up to gainsay it: The best revenge, he argues, is revenge.

From Slate • Feb. 26, 2020

Yet far be it from me to gainsay the delight that many viewers take in “The Princess Bride.”

From The New Yorker • Sep. 20, 2019

Martin admitted he didn’t know the meanings of gainsay and ravening.

From "The Underground Railroad: A Novel" by Colson Whitehead