There’s nothing worse than having a conversation with someone who always has to have the last word. No matter what you’re talking about, how little they know about the subject, or how inappropriate it is to argue their point, they always have a few extra words to throw into the ring and it’s really obnoxious (and here’s why, according to Psychology Today). The next time this happens, shoot back one of these phrases.
1. “That’s an interesting perspective — I hadn’t thought of it that way.”
Using this comeback can subtly acknowledge the other person’s POV while asserting your own. It shows openness to their perspective but also asserts your stance and prevents them from dominating the conversation. Hey, maybe they are saying something worth thinking about, but their delivery needs some serious work.
2. “Let’s agree to disagree.”
This old classic allows you to acknowledge the fact that you’re on two different sides of an argument, but it also sets a boundary, indicating that the conversation doesn’t need to revolve around reaching a consensus or finding common ground. It establishes that both perspectives can coexist without needing to be constantly debated. Sometimes you have to choose your battles, and this ain’t one of them!
3. “Alright, alright, you win! Can we move on to something more enjoyable now?”
This one, you’re probably more likely to use when you’ve reached boiling point and really just want to get the conversation over with. It lets you acknowledge the other person’s need to have the last word while redirecting the conversation. It also subtly defuses the need to continue the convo and can shift the discussion to a more positive or neutral topic.
4. “Wow, you must be a dictionary! You always have the last word.”
Sure, this one veers into dad joke territory, but sometimes that’s what’s needed to lighten the mood (even if it’s only your own). This comeback playfully highlights the other person’s tendency to keep on going long after the conversation should have been finished, but it does it in a non-aggressive way that’s also somewhat silly.
5. “Huh, that’s something to think about.”
Using this phrase can show that you’re taking the other person’s viewpoint into consideration and that you’re willing to reflect on it… maybe. This way, you’re not invalidating their input or being outright sarcastic, but you are closing down any further discussion on the matter, at least for now.
6. “I appreciate your input, but I’ve already said my piece on this.”
This one communicates that you value their input but also sets a boundary, letting them know that you’ve expressed your viewpoint and are ready to move on. It prevents the conversation from getting stuck in a loop of back-and-forth exchanges. It also puts them in their place and makes it clear that you won’t allow them to steamroll you.
7. “I can see why you might think that.”
By using this phrase, you acknowledge the other person’s perspective without necessarily fully (or even partially) agreeing with it. This shows that you’re not too stubborn to recognize other people’s perspectives even if you’re not on board with them. This makes you seem open-minded and level-headed, which are great traits to have.
8. “Sure, that’s one way to look at it.”
This is a non-confrontational way to accept their need for the last word while also making it clear that there are other viewpoints that are just as valid as theirs. It’s a respectful way of disagreeing without outright saying it. It’s also vaguely dismissive, so if they know how to read people, they should get the hint here that they need to zip their lips.
9. “I’ll take that into consideration… or not.”
This one can signal that you’re not going to be swayed solely by the other person’s input. It’s a direct way of asserting your independence in decision-making and not being influenced by someone else’s need to have the last word. The addition of “or not” is a bit of a dig, but sometimes you need to be a bit sharp to get your point across.
10. “This seems pretty important to you.”
This one could be read as a bit sarcastic, but on the other hand, you’re showing empathy and understanding if they take this comment at face value. It can help to validate their perspective while also subtly indicating that the conversation doesn’t need to revolve solely around their POV.
11. “I think we see things differently.”
This one is pretty much what it says on the tin — you don’t see eye to eye and that’s just how it’s going to be. Neither of you are going to talk the other around to a new perspective, so you might as well agree to let things go and move on with your lives.
12. “I respect your opinion but I really don’t agree with it.”
Again, another variation on a theme. You’re not going to sit there and tell them they’re wrong and that their opinions suck, but you are going to say that you’re not on the same page and that they might as well stop while they’re ahead because they’ll never get you on side.
13. “I think we’ve both said our piece now. Shall we move on?”
By saying this, you acknowledge that you’ve heard them out and recognize their need to get their point across but also point out that you’ve heard them now and that there’s no need to keep on going. You’d both be better off moving on to more interesting topics of conversation (especially if there are any on which you can find common ground).
14. “Did you have something important to add?”
Okay, so this one is a bit snippy and kinda rude, but if you’re dealing with someone who constantly has to have the last word and doesn’t seem to pick up on any of the subtler hints you’ve no doubt dropped by now, sometimes you have to go a different route. By implying that their add-ons lack substance, you basically shut them down, and that might be needed.
15. “Wow, you really wanted the last word there, eh?”
Again, a bit more sarcasm that functions to point out their behavior. Some people seriously lack self-awareness and it’s only when other people shine a spotlight on what they’re doing that they realize, “Huh, maybe I need to change my ways.” This might prompt that kind of self-reflection.
16. Silence
Sometimes the best thing you can say is nothing at all (especially in these 10 instances, according to Inc.com). Let your lack of speaking do the talking here. Save your energy and your sanity and let what they say go in one ear and out the other.
