Are you tired of using the word “said” repeatedly in your writing? We know we are! That’s why we’ve put together a list of synonyms for “said” to help spice up your writing and make it more interesting. Whether you’re a student, a blogger, or a professional writer, these synonyms will help you avoid repetition and keep your readers engaged.
In this article, we’ll provide you with over 80 synonyms for “said” that you can use in your writing. Unlike other synonyms that reveal a speaker’s feelings, attitude, or intentions, “said” simply states factual information. Using different synonyms for “said” allows you to convey the tone and mood of the conversation or dialogue without explicitly stating it.
Said Synonyms
Said Definition
Said is a verb that means to express something in words, especially to express a thought or opinion. It is often used when quoting someone or writing dialogue.
For example:
- She said, “I’m tired of this argument.”
- “I don’t think that’s a good idea,” he said.
Said is a past tense verb, and it is used to indicate that something was spoken or written in the past. It is a common word that is used frequently in written and spoken language to indicate that someone has expressed a thought or idea.
Common Synonyms for Said
There are many words that can be used in place of “said” when quoting someone or writing dialogue:
- replied
- answered
- retorted
- countered
- exclaimed
- stated
- declared
- expressed
- articulated
- murmured
- mumbled
- whispered
Which word you choose will depend on the context of the conversation and the tone of the speaker. Some words, like “replied” and “answered,” are more neutral and straightforward, while others, like “exclaimed” and “murmured,” convey more emotion or intensity.
List of Said Synonyms
There are many different words to use instead of “said” in English. Here are 88 English synonyms for said you can improve your vocabulary every day.
- Denied
- Added
- Blurted
- Admitted
- Prayed
- Grunted
- Tolerated
- Cautioned
- Announced
- Answered
- Argued
- Asked
- Babbled
- Begged
- Boasted
- Bragged
- Called
- Commented
- Assured
- Conceded
- Founded
- Avoided
- Maintained
- Avowed
- Estimated
- Complained
- Confessed
- Cried
- Declared
- Demanded
- Exclaimed
- Explained
- Expressed
- Giggled
- Repeated
- Threatened
- Emphasized
- Advised
- Stipulated
- Claimed
- Affirmed
- Grinned
- Laughed
- Lied
- Mentioned
- Mumbled
- Moaned
- Pronounced
- Remarked
- Corrected
- Agreed
- Pleaded
- Bellowed
- Decided
- Theorized
- Confused
- Replied
- Responded
- Scolded
- Screamed
- Joked
- Awakened
- Growled
- Continued
- Shouted
- Stated
- Shouted
- Forewarned
- Guessed
- Challenged
- Asserted
- Hinted
- Reminded
- Proclaimed
- Whimpered
- Conceited
- Suggested
- Teased
- Told
- Uttered
- Warned
- Whined
- Concluded
- Gasped
- Related
- Insisted
- Whispered
- Yelled
Commonly Used Synonyms for Said
As writers, we often use the word “said” to attribute dialogue to a character. However, using the same word repeatedly can become monotonous and dull. That’s where synonyms come in handy. Here are some commonly used synonyms for “said” that can help spice up your writing:
- Stated: This word can be used to indicate that the character is making a formal declaration or announcement.
- Declared: Similar to “stated,” this word is often used when a character is making a bold or forceful statement.
- Exclaimed: Use this word when a character is speaking loudly or with great emotion.
- Whispered: This word is used when a character is speaking softly or in a hushed tone.
- Muttered: Use this word when a character is speaking under their breath or in a grumbling manner.
- Sighed: This word is used to indicate that a character is speaking in a resigned or discouraged manner.
- Added: This word can be used to indicate that a character is contributing to a conversation or adding to a point that has already been made.
Synonyms for Said in Narrative Writing
Descriptive Synonyms
Descriptive synonyms are words that help convey the tone or emotion behind the dialogue. Here are some examples:
- Exclaimed: Used to show excitement or enthusiasm. Example: “I can’t believe it!” she exclaimed.
- Muttered: Used to show quiet or mumbled speech. Example: “I don’t know,” he muttered.
- Whispered: Used to show secretive or hushed speech. Example: “Meet me tonight,” she whispered.
- Boomed: Used to show loud or commanding speech. Example: “Stop right there!” he boomed.
- Sighed: Used to show disappointment or resignation. Example: “I guess we’ll have to try again,” she sighed.
Action-Based Synonyms
Action-based synonyms are words that help show how the dialogue is being said. Here are some examples:
- Screamed: Used to show loud and intense speech. Example: “Get out of here!” she screamed.
- Laughed: Used to show jovial or humorous speech. Example: “That’s hilarious!” he laughed.
- Snarled: Used to show angry or hostile speech. Example: “I don’t have time for this,” he snarled.
- Squeaked: Used to show high-pitched or nervous speech. Example: “I don’t know,” she squeaked.
- Stammered: Used to show hesitant or stuttering speech. Example: “I-I don’t know what to say,” he stammered.
Synonyms for Said in Dialogue
In writing dialogue, it’s important to use dialogue tags to indicate who is speaking. While “said” is a common tag, using it repeatedly can become monotonous. That’s why it’s important to have a variety of synonyms for “said” to keep your dialogue interesting and engaging.
Here are some synonyms for “said” that you can use in your writing:
- Exclaimed: Used to indicate a sudden or strong emotion, such as surprise or excitement. Example: “I can’t believe we won!” she exclaimed.
- Whispered: Used to indicate a soft or secretive tone. Example: “Don’t tell anyone,” he whispered.
- Muttered: Used to indicate a low or indistinct tone. Example: “I can’t hear you,” she muttered.
- Sighed: Used to indicate a resigned or disappointed tone. Example: “I guess we’ll have to try again next time,” he sighed.
- Boasted: Used to indicate a proud or arrogant tone. Example: “I knew I could do it,” she boasted.
- Inquired: Used to indicate a questioning or curious tone. Example: “What do you mean?” he inquired.
There are many more synonyms for “said” that you can use in your writing. Just remember to use them sparingly and only when they add value to the dialogue.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some synonyms for ‘said’?
There are many synonyms for ‘said’, such as ‘stated’, ‘uttered’, ‘expressed’, ‘voiced’, ‘pronounced’, ‘declared’, ‘announced’, ‘remarked’, ‘noted’, ‘commented’, ‘observed’, ‘mentioned’, ‘reported’, ‘disclosed’, ‘revealed’, ‘conveyed’, ‘imparted’, and ‘communicated’.
What are some alternative words for ‘said’?
Some alternative words for ‘said’ include ‘whispered’, ‘muttered’, ‘shouted’, ‘yelled’, ‘screamed’, ‘exclaimed’, ‘cried’, ‘chanted’, ‘recited’, ‘uttered’, ‘articulated’, ‘enunciated’, ‘vocalized’, ‘mouthed’, ‘spoke’, ‘talked’, ‘conversed’, and ‘chatted’.
Can you suggest some other phrases to use instead of ‘said’?
Yes, some other phrases to use instead of ‘said’ include ‘added’, ‘agreed’, ‘asserted’, ‘claimed’, ‘conceded’, ‘contended’, ‘denied’, ‘doubted’, ’emphasized’, ‘insisted’, ‘objected’, ‘pointed out’, ‘protested’, ‘questioned’, ‘replied’, ‘responded’, ‘retorted’, ‘suggested’, ‘warned’, and ‘acknowledged’.
What are some commonly used phrases to replace ‘said’?
Some commonly used phrases to replace ‘said’ include ‘according to’, ‘as stated by’, ‘as claimed by’, ‘as reported by’, ‘as mentioned by’, ‘as disclosed by’, ‘as revealed by’, ‘as conveyed by’, ‘as imparted by’, ‘as communicated by’, ‘as commented by’, ‘as observed by’, and ‘as noted by’.
What are some words to use instead of ‘said’?
Some words to use instead of ‘said’ include ‘affirmed’, ‘alleged’, ‘avowed’, ‘boasted’, ‘confessed’, ‘confirmed’, ‘declared’, ‘denounced’, ‘described’, ‘elaborated’, ‘explained’, ‘indicated’, ‘insinuated’, ‘intimated’, ‘maintained’, ‘noted’, ‘proclaimed’, ‘recounted’, ‘revealed’, ‘stated’, ‘testified’, and ‘voiced’.
What are some frequently used synonyms for ‘said’?
Some frequently used synonyms for ‘said’ include ‘told’, ‘mentioned’, ‘spoke’, ‘uttered’, ‘expressed’, ‘voiced’, ‘declared’, ‘announced’, ‘remarked’, ‘noted’, ‘commented’, and ‘observed’.
Last Updated on November 8, 2023
Very useful and learned lots of “said is dead” words.