Gainsay ( or ; 277), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Gainsaid ( or ); p. pr. & vb. n. Gainsaying.]
Etymology: [OE. geinseien, ageinseien. See Again, and Say to utter.]
To contradict; to deny; to controvert; to dispute; to forbid. I will give you a mouth and wisdom which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist. Luke xxi. 15. The just gods gainsay That any drop thou borrow'dst from thy mother, My sacred aunt, should by my mortal sword Be drained. Shak.
Shades of meaning
Fernald lists gainsay only as an antonym, under state.
He lists it without comment; the entries above explain its neighbors.
Synonyms
none given