say-so

noun

1
a
: one's unsupported assertion or assurance
b
: an authoritative pronouncement
left the hospital on the say-so of his doctor
2
: a right of final decision : say
has the ultimate say-so on what will be taught

Examples of say-so in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Writers wanted to make sure AI couldn’t be trained on their work or manipulate it without their say-so; actors wanted guardrails on how the technology could be used to recreate their performances. Angela Watercutter, WIRED, 25 Dec. 2023 Nor were any of them going to command either much say-so on personnel or a heavy salary, a pair of typical Spanos-coach traits. Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Dec. 2023 If Shanahan had the NFL chops to command more say-so on personnel than most coaches get and the Spanoses ever allow, Lynch was OK with it. Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Dec. 2023 Though Davis may not have fired the gun on Shakur himself, his say-so would have authorized the trigger pull, authorities have said. Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 2 Nov. 2023 In short, the contract stipulates that AI can’t be used to write or rewrite any scripts or treatments, ensures that studios will disclose if any material given to writers is AI-generated, and protects writers from having their scripts used to train AI without their say-so. WIRED, 27 Sep. 2023 The homeowner pays, pays, and pays but got no say-so unless the owners have a majority to vote them out and then the management company still runs the show. Kelly G. Richardson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Sep. 2023 Patrick, the presiding officer of the court, will have more say-so over other motions. Philip Jankowski, Dallas News, 22 June 2023 Essentially, if the bill becomes law, AI systems could still provide analysis and strategic suggestions regarding nuclear events, but ultimate say-so will rest firmly within human hands. Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 4 May 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'say-so.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1637, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of say-so was in 1637

Dictionary Entries Near say-so

Cite this Entry

“Say-so.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/say-so. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

say-so

noun
ˈsā-ˌsȯ
1
a
: one's unsupported word
b
: a judgment coming from a person of authority
2
: a right of last decision : authority
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