not to say

phrase

—used to introduce a more forceful or critical way of describing someone or something

He was impolite, not to say downright rude!

Examples of not to say in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Gaye’s was perhaps the most inventive, not to say subversive, Black version of the anthem since Jimi Hendrix had shredded the song at Woodstock in 1969. — Literary Hub, 8 Oct. 2026

That’s not to say there aren’t common elements—maximalist silk and velvet prints on the upholstery, fearless color when the fabrics are solid, blond herringbone wood floors, white marble in the bathroom. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026

That’s not to say Evans did not have a hard task cut out for him. — Charlotte Observer, 6 Oct. 2026

Her goal is not to say that this is the best option for everyone, but just to make people who might not be thrilled about implants for whatever reason know that an AFC after a double mastectomy is an option. — Kara McGrath, Allure, 6 Oct. 2026

Rhymes for not to say

• aaa
• alleyway
• alumnae
• anime
• anyway
• arete
• attache
• axillae
• baa
• beaujolais
• bouvier
• breakaway