Nay — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adverb noun /ˈnā/

Meaning & Definition of Nay

Nay (adverb)

  1. —used to correct what has just been said by replacing a word with one that is more accurate or appropriate
  2. no

Nay (noun)

  1. denial, refusal
  2. a negative reply or vote
  3. one who votes no

Nay (adverb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. not merely this but also

    "I was angry—nay, furious—at the way they were treating that poor dog"

    similar: even, indeed, truly, verily, yea, in fact, in reality, in truth
    related: assuredly, certainly, decidedly, definitely, doubtless, incontestably, incontrovertibly, indisputably, positively, really, surely, undeniably, undoubtedly, unquestionably

Nay (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. a vote or decision against something

    "when the votes were tallied, it was 241 yeas and 54 nays"

    similar: negative, no, non placet
    related: con, blackball, veto, denial, negation, refusal
    opposite: positive, yea, yes
    near: pro, acceptance, approval, grace

  2. an unwillingness to grant something asked for

    "gave a resounding nay to the request for a mixed-company camping trip"

    similar: declination, denial, disallowance, no, nonacceptance, refusal, rejection, turndown
    related: rebuff, repudiation, repulse, spurn, negative, ban, injunction, veto, deterrence, discouragement, repression, suppression
    opposite: allowance, approval, grant, OK
    near: acceptance, accession, acquiescence, agreement, assent, authorization, clearance, concurrence, consent, leave, license, permission, sanction, sufferance, imprimatur, seal, signature, stamp

Related Entry: Naysayer (noun)

Naysayer is a different word from Nay. The synonyms below are for naysayer, not for nay.

  1. a person who distrusts other people and believes that everything is done for selfish reasons

    "those naysayers who attack the integrity of the entire judicial system"

    similar: cynic, misanthrope, pessimist
    related: misandrist, misogynist, doubter, negativist, skeptic, belittler, critic, derider, detractor, scoffer, malcontent, defeatist, quitter
    near: optimist, Pollyanna, positivist, idealist, sentimentalist

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Nay

The most common words with a similar meaning to Nay:

even, indeed, truly, verily, yea, in fact, in reality, in truth, negative, no, non placet, declination, denial, disallowance, nonacceptance, refusal, rejection, turndown

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Nay

Words with the opposite meaning of Nay:

positive, yea, yes, allowance, approval, grant, OK

Related Words for Nay

assuredly, certainly, decidedly, definitely, doubtless, incontestably, incontrovertibly, indisputably, positively, really, surely, undeniably, undoubtedly, unquestionably, con, blackball, veto, negation, rebuff, repudiation, repulse, spurn, ban, injunction, deterrence, discouragement, repression, suppression

Near Antonyms of Nay

pro, acceptance, grace, accession, acquiescence, agreement, assent, authorization, clearance, concurrence, consent, leave, license, permission, sanction, sufferance, imprimatur, seal, signature, stamp

Origin & Etymology of Nay

Middle English, from Old Norse nei, from ne not + ei ever no, aye

First known use: 13th century

Words & Phrases Containing Nay

naysayer

Frequently Asked Questions about Nay

What does "Nay" mean?

"Nay" means —used to correct what has just been said by replacing a word with one that is more accurate or appropriate. As an an adverb and a noun, it is defined as: —used to correct what has just been said by replacing a word with one that is more accurate or appropriate. It has 3 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Nay"?

Other words for "Nay" include even, indeed, truly, verily, yea, in fact, in reality and in truth. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Nay" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Nay"?

There are 46 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Nay". Common alternatives include even, indeed, truly, verily, yea, in fact, in reality, in truth, negative and no.

What is the opposite of "Nay"?

Antonyms of "Nay" include positive, yea, yes, allowance, approval, grant and OK. Near antonyms include pro, acceptance, grace and accession.

How do you use "Nay" in a sentence?

Examples of "Nay" in a sentence: "I was angry—nay, furious—at the way they were treating that poor dog"; "when the votes were tallied, it was 241 yeas and 54 nays"; "gave a resounding nay to the request for a mixed-company camping trip".

Is "Nay" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Nay" can be used as an adverb and a noun, depending on the context.

How do you pronounce "Nay"?

"Nay" is pronounced /ˈnā/.

What is the origin of the word "Nay"?

"Nay" comes from Middle English, from Old Norse nei, from ne not + ei ever no, aye. First known use: 13th century.