Other Words for “Said”

other words for said
Direct speech can be difficult to smoothly navigate when you’re writing, but if you’re writing a novel or short story, dialogue is almost certainly going to happen at some point. When there is a conversation, the most common thing to do is use “said” when a person speaks:

“Are you crazy?” said Mary.

“Some of the time,” said John.

“Well,” said Mary, “I wish you would give me some warning before you do things like that!”

“I’ll try,” said John.

Then Mary leaned in close and said, “Oh shucks! I love you anyway!”

That’s a whole lot of “said” right there, and it gets repetitive pretty fast, doesn’t it? It becomes essential to have alternatives for the word “said” if you want your writing to sound decent. There are several ways this can be done.

Skip the Bits Outside the Quotation Marks Altogether!

If a conversation involves two people (dialogue), your reader will quickly see the two people are talking. That means that you can introduce your speakers, and then continue the conversation without saying who said what on the assumption your reader will be able to work out who is speaking, at least for a few lines.

Describe Actions Before or After the Quotation Marks

For example: “Oh shucks! I love you anyway!” Mary cuddled closer with a sigh.

In our example, we can clearly see Mary was doing the talking. If John says something next, he’ll get a new paragraph to himself, emphasizing the change of speaker. Voila! Conundrum avoided. “Saying” words have been completely skipped, but we still know who was talking.

Use Words Other than “Said”

Depending on context, there are a whole bunch of alternative words for “said” we can choose. Perhaps Mary’s romantic utterance was:

  • Whispered
  • Breathed
  • Murmured
  • Sighed
  • Purred
  • Blurted
  • Gurgled
  • Chuckled
  • Mumbled
  • Warbled
  • Simpered

Her opening, “Are you crazy?” could have been:

  • Asked (a little weak, but there it is)
  • Exclaimed
  • Cried
  • Yelled
  • Squealed
  • Screamed
  • Shrieked
  • Squeaked
  • Shouted
  • Bellowed
  • Roared
  • Snapped
  • Wailed
  • Gasped
  • Laughed
  • Giggled
  • Tittered
  • Complained
  • Objected
  • Protested
  • Sobbed
  • Groaned
  • Grumbled
  • Scolded

What’s interesting is all these words imply mood much better than “said” does. Was Mary objecting to John’s actions in a good-humored, frightened or angry way? Your choice of words can tell your reader what her tone of voice was.

And when she told John she loved him anyway, was she feeling romantic or amused? Did she blurt it out unexpectedly, or was she being coy and flirtatious? How did John feel when he responded to her initial protestation? Was he serious or light-hearted?

Changing Moods

Look at how these words change the mood of the conversation:

“Are you crazy?” sobbed Mary.

“Some of the time,” muttered John.

“Well,” Mary complained, “I wish you would give me some warning before you do things like that!”

“I’ll try,” John promised.

Then Mary leaned in close and murmured, “Oh shucks! I love you anyway!”

You should have gained a sense of how the person speaking felt by the way they said it. Now see how changing the “talking” words can change the entire scene:

“Are you crazy?” giggled Mary.

“Some of the time,” chuckled John.

“Well,” Mary laughed, “I wish you would give me some warning before you do things like that!”

“I’ll try,” John grinned.

Then Mary leaned in close and purred, “Oh shucks! I love you anyway!”

Ok, so it’s not great literature. I’d probably have avoided introducing the speaker from about line 3, reintroducing them if the mood changed, or the conversation started to get too long to follow, but you get the idea. Example one is a lovers’ tiff, while example two is a couple having fun together. That’s a big difference, and “said” just wouldn’t have conveyed that.

List of “Said” Words According to Mood

Angry, Tense

  • Snapped
  • Snarled
  • Growled
  • Barked (lots of doggy words so far)
  • Bellowed (and a moose)
  • Roared (and a lion – this one could also imply triumph)
  • Grumbled
  • Complained
  • Objected
  • Remonstrated
  • Huffed (this one is just mildly exasperated)
  • Nagged
  • Blustered
  • Thundered (and some weather)
  • Screamed
  • Rasped
  • Worried
  • Yelled
  • Screamed
  • Shouted
  • Shrieked
  • Hollered (a bit of volume in these last few!)
  • Seethed
  • Ranted
  • Fumed

Happy, Amused, Positive

  • Laughed
  • Chuckled
  • Giggled
  • Grinned
  • Guffawed
  • Gurgled
  • Joked
  • Quipped
  • Teased
  • Cheered
  • Crowed

Certain, Sure, Confident

  • Declared
  • Asserted
  • Announced
  • Insisted
  • Assured
  • Argued
  • Bragged
  • Boasted
  • Stated
  • Reassured
  • Preached
  • Commented
  • Remarked
  • Confirmed
  • Vowed
  • Promised
  • Observed

Sarcastic, Creepy

  • Leered
  • Sneered
  • Jeered
  • Drawled
  • Taunted
  • Cackled
  • Mocked

Asking or Asking for

  • Begged
  • Pleaded
  • Requested
  • Questioned
  • Queried
  • Probed
  • Asked (of course)
  • Inquired
  • Entreated
  • Cajoled
  • Wheedled

Unsure

  • Faltered
  • Stammered
  • Stuttered
  • Hesitated
  • Guessed
  • Blurted
  • Trembled
  • Speculated

Tones other than the ones we’ve already covered (especially the loud ones)

  • Whispered
  • Murmured
  • Hissed
  • Trilled
  • Sang
  • Sniffed
  • Snivelled
  • Mewled
  • Moaned
  • Purred
  • Sobbed
  • Groaned
  • Moaned
  • Grunted

And we’re just scratching the surface…here are a few more:

  • Volunteered
  • Lied
  • Interrupted
  • Interjected
  • Exclaimed
  • Remonstrated
  • Finished

And as for “finished,” I realize this list is far from actually being finished. “Said” is all very well, but with so many more expressive words to choose from, you probably don’t need it! Do you have a favorite word to use other than “said” when you write that’s not listed above? Let us know and we’ll add it to our list.

  • Some good words for said are as following: Whispered, cried, screamed, sobbed, screeched, sang, giggled. Each one produces a different emotion so each one can work in all different situations!

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  • “said” is so boring. It’s like using “very” when describing everything. You can make your stories so much more interesting if you use a little imagination and creativity instead of using “said” all the time.

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  • Maybe you should put In read, like for example: “Dear Abby” She read.
    If you don’t think so, then thats okey!
    -LizzyCupcake!

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  • You said make a novel on how to better express dialouge, or on how to better express one’s writing.

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  • I think You should make a novel on how to better express dialogue, or on how to better express one’s self in writing. ~RoseAngelz

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  • Sorry I know this is the third time, I’m commenting on this; however this time I’m not a guest. Plus I’m not sure if you got my comment the first two times – no I’m not trying to spam – so I’m gonna comment this one last time.
    I think you should make a novel on how to better express dialogue, or on how to better express one’s writing.
    Again I’m not trying to spam; it’s just that I’m not sure if you got my comment the first two times.
    ~RoseAngelz

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  • Well “said” is a rather valuable word when it is used properly, as you can “build up” emotions onto it

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  • None of these would be a synonym for “said” per se, but all could be used in it’s place given the correct context.
    Retorted, responded, replied, shot back, countered.
    Mentioned, noted, suggested.
    Warned, cautioned, advised, admonished, corrected.
    Reported.

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  • In my English class we have a board with ”Said is dead” and we have to write different words for ”said”, if we do we get a prize so I study different words at home lol

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  • I want to be a writer, but one of my cons is definitely finding proper words to use instead of “says” or “said”. This has helped me a lot, so thank you very much!

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  • I’m 14 and I’m writing a book. I haven’t gone to school to do this kind of stuff, but this was really helpful. Now maybe I can get my book published!

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  • I LOVE this it helps me with work so much
    whoever did this should so get an award as a “thank u 4 all these awesome words!!”

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  • This website helped me with my narrative writing!
    Also who is the person/people who keep going around and disliking every single comment? It is just annoying.

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  • All of these words helped me write my story! I wonder what other words we could use instead of said.

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  • Maybe meowed? I know that’s what cats do, and even if you aren’t writing about cats, maybe a person is mimicking one of the cute little felines?

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  • I have to write a story (Thanks Covid) and this has been soooo helpful! Gracias! -unknowable

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  • I am doing my school work and it helped so much I got eight lines of speech with this!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  • I wish you could replace my editor. I’m a new author and my editor just tells me what’s wrong without helping me fix it. I’m glad I found this website.

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    • Good luck with your book! I hope it gets fully published! I’m currently writing a book, at the same time trying to figure out how to publish without spending a TON of money. Good luck!! Hope u get the advice u need

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    • Well, when someone is stern, u could use some words (Glared, muttered, forbade) but, what I would recommend is something like this:
      “Why did you sneak out tonight?” His mother cried, slamming both her hands on her table. Jake opened his mouth to speak,
      “You could have been killed!” Jake winced. He had hoped she wouldn’t find out about that.
      “Mom I-”
      “No!” she glared at him. Her face straight and void of any laughter. “I don’t want to hear it”
      “I’ll do better next time!”
      “You’re grounded for a week” he looked up at her in disbelief.
      “Grounded? A week?” he began to stand up but his mothers gaze stopped him “Mom, seriously, it won’t happen again! It’s Lila’s birthday on Wendsday!”
      “You heard me” her gaze didn’t waver as she stared him down. Jake flopped backward into his chair, defeated,
      “Lila’s gonna kill me” he muttered.

      You see, sometimes, (I think this was said above) its not better to use dialouge tags. Actions make writing much stronger and less choppy, hope this helps

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  • I love making stories! I’m trying to make one for school, but I was so stuck on what to say instead of said THIS RLLY HELPS

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  • This really helps make stories more interesting then if you just say said. When you use a little imagination or you find words (like the ones above) to use in your story it really makes a world of difference.

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    • Yes! Exactly, Lauren, have you read Keeper of the Lost Cities? If you haven’t, you really should. Its amazing!

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  • this was very helpful lol. my sister read my narrative and she was like “dude ur in 6th grade i expected more” and i was like “bruh shut up i wanna see u do better” lol

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  • I am writing a narrative and this list helps me so much! I love all the words that you can choose from! Overall, so helpful!

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  • Thank you very much! Our school wanted us to write a story and I absolutely love writing stories but I got a little annoyed when I kept using the word ‘said’ again and again. Just like ‘very’ is used pretty often. These words express emotion into the sentence and make the sentence more longer which for me is a good thing. I really appreciate your help. Thank you so much once again.
    ~Asuna

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  • I have been writing a book since I was eight years old, and I am now about to turn 14 years old. Many of the chapters were discarded, as I did not like the word choices. I tried using things like thesaurus, and many others, but none worked and none gave me the help I needed personally when trying to use words. What I recommend is opening a google doc (I know that’s what we’re all using, and we learned about it from school), and copying and pasting the words. Of course, label them saying “this is for angry scenes” or something of that sort, but that’s what helps me so I can quickly find a word I’m looking for and I don’t have to scroll past all the passages. Also, it’s much more organized! Happy writing!

    Angelic Devil

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  • I’m 10 and I’m writing an article about food and this really helped. Thx a lot. Also, Said is the worst word you can use for said. XD

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  • This has been SO helpful! I am writing my own little short story in my (little) free time and I have been struggling to find more descriptive words other than the common ones. This website is pretty much a miracle to any other writer out there!
    I will say, sometimes when I use the word “said” I like to add a bit of flavor to it, like instead of
    Brooke said
    You can put more discription onto it like
    Brooke said, a grin spreading across her face.
    Anyways this was sooo helpful thank you for this amazing site!

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    • Like in the story I’m writing for school about a zombie apocalypse one of my sentences is;
      “Alright let’s move on. My name is James, and I am absolutely useless just so you guys are aware.” He nods at the group with a tight smile on his face as everyone starts laughing.

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  • Bruh…
    all of these comments make you guys seem like newbie writers (no offense) because it’s really easy to think of words instead of said without searching up websites. And SAID IS NOT BORING. Writing too many complex words, or getting TOO descriptive, will make your writing seem immature and cringy. Just saying. SAID IS A GOOD WORD. it’s classic, and it should be used the most, but just use words like yelled, whispered, etc. to show readers HOW that character said that line of dialogue. You don’t need to go out of your way using the word “expostualted” when you literally can just simply use the word “said”. It’s simple and smart. Period.

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    • Yea, and? To get good at writing, you need to know what words to use. It’s how everybody starts, and nobody should take offense to that. And no, it is not necessarily that easy to just think of words. Writing with “too many” complex words is good, gives the characters tone, and emotions. It makes the characters feel real. We have complex words in our dictionary for a reason, to explain complex feelings. Also, said is not classic. It’s a word, just a simple word. It doesn’t explain much at all. Simpler words should be used, but that doesn’t mean we need to overuse them. Finding more complex words helps make your story not sound dry and boring. It is not simple and smart, it sounds blatantly stupid, and honestly, you sound like a person who doesn’t know much about writing. Thank you.

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      • I think what he means is
        “Do you think this is right?” he catechized
        “N-no” she blundered
        You see? The words are complex and its hard for people to understand. It kind of seems like you don’t know what you’re doing. If you do it like this though
        “Do you think this is right?” He demanded, his stern gaze looking into her. Maya shrunk back,
        “N-no” she said, hoping that was the right answer. (Or, she said with a stutter/stammer)

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    • Excuse me? Does writing a chapter book seem like newbie writers to you? That comment you just posted might have crushed some of their dreams! I also do NOT allow the word, “cringey,” to be used on comments, chats, etc. etc. It is rude, it is offensive, and like I said before, it will crush other people’s dreams. SO DO NOT USE THE WORD CRINGEY! And yes, you seem like a person who do NOT know about writing at all. You can’t just simply use the word “said.” Didn’t you read this article? Using the word said can be “BORING” and “NOT INTERESTING.” You need to read the article and you can’t judge other people’s comments and what they type and what they think. End of discussion.

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      • Agree and disagree. He was a little rude about it, but like I said in a reply above using too many complex words can actually make writing boring (believe it or not). Said should definately be used many times, but other words are important too! He’s saying don’t get carried away with fancy words! (I know from experience, I used a bunch of words I thought would make me sound sooo good, but after I finished I read it through and it sounded choppy, noobish, and… wrong, somehow.) I think this guy is just trying to save everyone from digging a hole they cant get out of. He could have been nicer about it, but we all make mistakes, (Even if he meant to be rude) I hope my comments helped clear things up with everyone. Said does get boring, DO NOT use it too much. But also DO NOT make your writing completely void of the word. If you want, use adverbs.
        “I can help!” She said cheerfully,
        I hope this helped! Everyone who is making a book, perservere, u can do anything if u put your mind to it. Get advice from others, read and reread. Your book may someday be a bestseller! Best of luck!

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    • What was the point to make this mean comment Zack? I agree with bree and emma! There is 277 pages in my book, I’m ELEVEN! That sound like a newbie???

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    • Yo. I have written a 30,000 word essay!!! I’ve written more in a book and I’m 12!!! I SO agree with Bree, emma, and DarlingCat11. You are rude and when someone (LIKE YOU) says “No offense”, WERE GONNA TAKE OFFENSE!!! So why are you on this page anyway? to be rude? so take you non-boring said and GET OUT OF HERE.

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  • I am writing a science fiction story and this list helped so much to make my story interesting! LOVE IT! THANKS FOR POSTING IT! – Some 6th grader.

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  • Thanks for this list! I’m 11 and this has been incredibly helpful for writing a historical fiction story for school.

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  • Ahaha this is amazing I’m making my own story & there was dialog so I had to find words that are not said this is amazing tbh

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  • I’m writing a story right now about a girl who keeps having nightmares about her past self a.k.a what she’s done in the past only to find out those nightmares are real, and these really worked! Because I have lots of characters in the story and I can’t keep saying said or say

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    • Honestly Ella, That is a good idea but I won’t steal it! I hope that book gets everything it deserves! I am currently the first like on this! Have a good day. (And I feel you, I forget about some characters and then I have to make up an excuse for bringing them back in.) Also, LETS BRING THIS COMMENT TO THE TOP! Hope you all have a nice day!

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    • I have a lot of characters in my story too, (It takes place in a school, so… yeah) But, dont forget to still use said sometimes, (Definately not all the time). (Also, I make separate docs for lists of characters names and traits, just a tip!)

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  • A few more to intend bragging, or showing off that could be used:
    Boast(ed), Crow(ed), Bluster(ed), Swank(ed), Gloat(ed)
    Just some examples, not saying they should be added, just trying to be useful for anyone who needs more help with words that aren’t on the list. (at least I don’t think they are on the list lol.)

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  • I’m almost 13 years old and I want to write a book of wizardry (sort o like Harry Potter). Either way, I’m really thankful for this website and this helps me soooooo much with my writing!!! ‘Said’ is like really boring, so tysm!!!

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  • it is better to mostly use said. publishers will riject books that have too much other words instead of said because it is a sign of inexperience! 99% of the time you should use said!

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  • I love when actions describe or replace ‘said’! I’m writing a book, so this was extremely helpful.
    one like on this comment = one appreciation for this

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  • Thank you i was looking everywhere for different saids and i finnaly found one that shows the emotion that the person is feeling when they say that!

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  • Am I the only one that has like 500 books on their computer and each one only has like 60 pages and you only finished like one?

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  • This is sooo awesome I’m in middle of a story and i feel like I need to go back and change all my previous saids 😂

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  • Though saying “said” can get a little boring, simply replacing them with action words is a no no. Said is really just a dialogue tag, not your chance to get creative or descriptive. If someone “said” something, you can say they “giggled it.” Amateur mistakes 101.

    If you find yourself looking for words to replace said because you’re using it too many times, it’s a sign that you need to go back and restructure your sentences. That’s where you get creative.

    It’s okay to get a big more descriptive than said sometimes, but substitute words is usually not the answer.

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  • I actually think this works well XD I had so many “Saids” in my story. It’s 213 pages long so I need to go all over it again to fix all those mistakes XD

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  • im writing a story about monsters at the moment i needed so much good word other than “said” and then i found this, this is so helpful, thanks!

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  • This is SO helpful! I’m writing a book right now, and I have so many “said”s that I have to go change! (and, LizzyCupcakeAuthor12!, on one of the other posts I read the beginning of your story about the three orphans, and, by now you might have finished it, but it is AMAZING. Never give up writing!)

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  • thank you so much! i’m not a native english speaker so i struggle sometimes, but this article helped me so much!

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  • I am also writing a story! It´s for a school project I’m doing. It´s about a girl named sage who keeps living the same day over and over again. In order to fix it she has to touch a magic pendelum from an old grandfather clock wich got her into this mess in the first place.

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    • Yes, if you use it after the dialogue. It would probably work best if you use it after someone says a long paragraph or explains something with a lot of detail.

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  • i wish i could be as good as enid blython or j.k rowling aka {joanne kathleen rowling} i finished them books im sad

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  • This is very helpful. I will be sure to look at their stuff again. I’m trying to write a book for school and this helped tremendously!

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  • So many unique and new ways to say ‘said’! I’m writing a short story essay for our dystopian unit in school, and this has helped SO much. Thank you 🙂

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  • I’m currently writing a horror (but not that scary) chapter book series, and I need help for finding a word when they’re sad. If you can’t help me, that’s okay. I’m sure I’ll find a word. (P.S. To those who write stories too, I believe in you and good luck!)

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  • I was writing a paper for school and I needed to find a word to use instead of said because I’m not allowed to use the word said in my paper, so this really helped. Thank you to whoever made this website!!!!!!

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      • yea it’s the same at my school/homeschool thing, there are banned words like: say; said and other overused words though at times it gets frustrating, it helps grow vocabulary and gets us used to using assertive words, and adjectives that are direct, and straight to the point, using words like: mumbled, breathed, quired, yelled and others add EMOTION to papers, essays, and stories

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  • I started to write when I was eight years old. I have written more than ten stories to keep myself entertained during the long, boring winter. (and am currently working on one called the pack) Writing keeps me alive, and I often think about becoming an author when I get a little older. I found this website when I was around eight and a half, and it helped me to find other words than the plain old, ‘said’.

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    • I have to agree with that, young lad. I also found this site very useful and probably the most useful source for “said” words. Make sure you keep you’re reader interested! 😉

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    • I as well started when I was eight, I started writing fan fiction for some of my favorite stories, and we seem very alike, because I have a story called ‘The wolf packs’. Quite a coincidence.

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  • Hey ya’ll! I’m 13, and I am officially finished my book and I’m publishing it really soon!! I just wanted to say thank you so this website for helping me reach my dream. I hope I can publish in the next few months, thank you for these words. It’s helped a ton!

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    • I don’t know why, but I guess I have a lot of the same ideas as people, I also have a story that is called ‘Bewere’ about a Werewolf.

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  • I have a suggestion- whimpered. Fellow authors — present and future — you could also use this: “But then it would be . . . him!” She realized {or wondered, or anything related, of course!} aloud. Realized aloud. . .Just a tip!! Since most ppl read comments, you don’t have to put “whimpered” on your list. Thank you for this wonderful list, creator! Wow no one knew what the coronavirus was back in November 2016! btw I feel kinda bad for making the comment amount 221 instead of 220. BUT if someone comments again, it’ll be 222!

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  • “this is nice ” stuttered molly “i know this place is amazing ” gigled polly “this place is so boring ” moared jon at the end: stuttered gigled moared

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  • Thank you so much for these words! I’m writing a story about the day of the dead then realized I’m using said over and over!!

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  • This is my favorite list because the organization just makes it so much easier to read. I hate walls of text with a burning passion.

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  • Thanks sooooo much, you don’t know how much this had helped me! Im writing a novel,and being only 11, I need to expand my vocabulary! (even tho I have a pretty big one already haha)

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  • Said us the most commonly used and most boring word (apart from I and A ) in the entire dictionary! It is sooooooo boring! I’m writing a book and this really helps

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  • Wow. I write stories and I was looking for other words then ‘said’. For my friends, I tried to read them my story. But I could see how bored they were. So I demanded them to tell me all the downsides to my story. And all three of them told me that I used ‘said’ WAY TO MUCH. So I re-read my writing and they weren’t wrong! I used it so much even I got bored of my own writing. So I looked for sites that’d give me some helpful word ideas and I came across this. TRUST ME, this is the best site. I love this and I think it is very helpful. Thank you to the creators of this website!

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  • omg this was so helpful I felt like said,says and asked was all my vocabulary consisted of and this helps with my story!!

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  • I am writing ✍🏻 a story and this has been very useful indeed , all ur words have been in handy especially when having so many ‘direct and indirect sentences’

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  • I am writing a story as well. I had a brain fart for the word ‘said’ and looked up some meanings, and this helped out a LOT. Thank you so much

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  • Tysm for this website! I am writing a realistic fiction/comedy/mystery, and also a Fantasy/Thriller and it is helping SO MUCH! I hope I can get it published one day, but… you know how life is… anyways wish me luck! Also, other words are Retorted, Countered, Glared, Calls, Affirmed, Greets. (Sorry if some of these are already on here) Also good luck everyone on their books!

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    • Thanks! I’ll look out for your book if it gets published! What’s the name of your book!?

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  • More words are: Inquired, Admitted, Accepted, Chided, Chirped, Piped, Announces, Scolds, Accused, Glowered, Snarled, Mused, Advised, again, sorry if there are already on here or someone else said them, I hope they help too!

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  • Wow thank you so much I am a writer and somtimes I have a hard time replacing said though this made it fun and easy!!!

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  • I was writing a story with cats, and all I could think to say instead of said was, “hissed, mewed, meowed, and spat.” I found this and it helps so so so much! Love this, and thank you whoever made this!

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    • Yeah, me too! I’m also writing a story and I’m 11&11/12 (as in that I’ll be 12 in exactly one month). This has helped a LOT, although I’m going to have to use human words (like yelled, whispered, cried) for rabbits.

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  • Oh my gosh, you have NO idea how much I needed this. I am writing a book right now and the word “said” was getting repetitive. Thanks so much for this! 🙂

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  • This helped me with a story that I had to type. I hate the word said, did, and because. I’m always correcting my friends when they talk.

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  • I’m looking for something instead of though. But this helps! Thanks you! (I suck at writing narratives! It’s like I’m writing a whole book!)

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  • I need something instead of “said”, but none of the alternates work for this sentence: “Hello, this is Violet Amorde,” she _____ brightly.

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  • I’m writing a scary story for writing class, and this helped soooooo much. DEFINATELY much better than said. I am satisfied. I also like how the author explains everything too, in a relatable and entertaining way.😁

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  • I was making an essay for something and this helped when I was trying to find a positive tone of wording rather than just said :]

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  • This was really helpful with my homework! It gave me a lot of cool new words to use in stories. I’ll definitely use these for my classes.

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  • I was wondering if you knew a good word for when someone says something in disbelief, shock, and disappointment. As if someone said something bad and someone else blurted out their name in disbelief. For example: To end the tourcher I blurted out the secrets to our captors, Nelly then (blank)”Tommy!”
    As so say come on really, I can’t believe you’ve done this.

    Reply

    • Like this?
      I couldn’t take the torture any longer, I closed my eyes shut and blurted out the secrets to our captors. I opened my eyes to see Nelly’s disbelieving face,
      “Tommy!” She cried out in vain,
      Other examples:
      “Tommy…” She wispered, eyes bubbling with tears
      “Tommy!” She spat, “You idiot! Why would you say that?!”
      “Tommy” She muttered, refusing to look at me
      “Tommy,” She breathed, barely audible. Her [Blank] eyes staring into mine
      Let me know if this helps!

      Reply

  • I’ve always felt so uncomfortable writing dialogue like

    “Hello!” Mary said.

    so I’ve always written it like

    Mary ran up to Parker and wrapped her arms around him. “Hello!”

    and I’m just SO glad that’s not a bad way to do it 😁😁

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  • I’ve been writing a story for about two weeks. It’s kind of difficult since I’m only in 7th, and I don’t know a lot of words besides said, so this help a lot （￣︶￣）↗

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  • Oml, thx for making this i am writing a narrative for my school and was like “ugh i hate the word, ‘said’ and i hated the others because they only listee like 2 or 3 words

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    • I SO agree with you! I am writing a english essay, and I needed other words than said. I wanted it to be more interesting, because said gets really boring really fast.

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  • So, great website! Great words, great advice! I have some advice too. Many times it makes your writing stronger to not use dialouge tags at all. Not saying u should NEVER use them, that would be utterly stupid. But don’t use them EVERY time. There’s a time for everything. A parent giving a talking-to to their kid is probably best for no dialouge tags. But a friendly conversation could benefit from them. Also, if you have a lot of characters I recommend making a separate doc with the list of characters and traits on it. One other thing; said can get boring and useless. Its a fact. But, dont let it get that way. At the same time, still use it, maybe even use it A LOT. Like
    “Blah blah” She said cheerfully
    “Blah blee blah blah” He grinned
    “Blah blah blah blee blah” Molly giggled
    Use said, dont overuse it, and make it interesting!

    But, for those times where I want another word this was very helpful. Im writing a book about magic. I want to get it published someday, it may or may not happen. Its going to be a five book series that follows a girl, her best friend, and her twin sister, along with another friend. They go on quests, there’s a fair amount of fighting and betrayl. And more than just a touch of magic. I’ve already fallen in love with both my main character and her best friend. My brother has fallen in love with the twin sister and the best friends brother. I take this as a good sign. Maybe someday I’ll reach my goal. Best of luck to all of you! Dont give up!
    ~Narwhal

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  • I have IEW, (Institute for Excellence in Writing), and I’m working on my final draft. All I could think of was, ‘Jane `said`, “I’m going to call the babysitter and check on the kids”, which I can’t use say or said, so I’ve been having a struggle. I looked up ‘different words for say and said’, because none of the ones I have in my binder where quite good enough. After searching different link I didn’t like many times, I found this one. SO many were perfect, but I only needed one. It’s funny how I was really struggling and couldn’t find or think of a perfect word, and then now I there is way to many perfect words! I also don’t know how you thought of all of these words! It’s making me bamboozled! Thank you a LOT for this site that you put all of your time into, because I will be using this page a bunch!!😂

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    • same, i’m also young and i’ve written multiple books on wattpad with thousands of views, im working on my fourth!

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  • this website helped me a lot! it has great words and makes writing sound a lot better. could you also add in “guess” to the “asking” category? but it was super helpful and easy, thank you!

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  • I always come here when I get stuck on wording my dialogue to find the words to match it how it sounds in my head. It’s been a big help for me. I’ve also been thinking about making a book based on a true story, I’d have to get permission from my friend, but I’m still trying to decide. I don’t know if I should start it though, I’ve got an entire huge drawer full of WIPs and am still getting ideas for new stories.

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  • “said” is so boring. It’s like using “very” when describing everything. You can make your stories so much more interesting if you use a little imagination and creativity instead of using “said” all the time.

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  • I am SO bad at writing things without said. It is such a bad habit at this point. This list has helped me so much! My dearest thanks!

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  • I’m writing a story, and this helped honestly so much. I am a very descriptive writing and this is definitely helping my creative imagination run wild. Tysm.

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  • I’m currently writing a story about a coffee shop where dead famous people come and I needed other words then said! Thanks you so much this helped a ton!

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  • I was writing an essay and i searched up “words to replace said” and i found this i love those words that are up there

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  • Not being rude to blog, but I despise words like said and anything that replaces them. In my opinion it is easier to avoid words like that in favor of adding detail:
    ie “‘we could go to the beach,’ he said” sounds so much better as “‘We could go to the beach,” his eyes were hopeful and he smiled.”

    Reply

    • But, is it better than “we could go to the beach,’ he queried” actually, I think that has a ring to it, depending on the context. I mean, I don’t think many authors would add that much detail in a sentence like that, unless it was romantic or something, at least I wouldn’t. That is adding too much detail to a simple sentence. Like putting lipstick on a pig. You only really need to add detail to moments in your book that are really important, or just moments you want your reader to remember.

      Reply

  • Thank you for this list. It has helped me with school work and helped me with writing my book Millie and the Lost Diamond. I’m a enormous J.K Rowling fan and Harry Potter. Comment back if your the same!

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  • another good one is, “chimed”. It really helps when the character in question is overly happy about something. For example, ” “I am really looking forward to coming over tonight!” He chimed.”

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  • croaned is one I like, especially when showing love or care
    proclaimed is one I use
    bemused I think you can use that one
    proffered
    retracted when taking something back
    relented same

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  • This really helped me with some dialogue in my story, it used to be:

    “Oh really?” Asked Rust.

    “I’m sure of it,” Dew said.

    “Well, then, where’s the proof?” Rust told him.

    It turned into:

    “Oh, really?” Rust snarled.

    “I’m sure of it,” Dew gave him a weary look as he muttered.

    “Well, then, where’s the proof?” Rust inquired.

    Reply

  • I feel that I have about one million stories in progress, Mystic Kingdoms, Bewere, The Keeper, The Forgotten Power, An Abstract story, Life in 4th Grade (Started this in fourth grade, somehow not done), Dragonslayer, How It All Began, Nessi, New Dawn Old Dusk, Destiny In The Making.

    Reply

  • yep! I finished my first book and now i’m writing another one I spent hours looking for this website. SO HELPFUL!

    Reply

  • very help full im righting a book about a witch called far away still making it but because of this its helping so much

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  • I’m writing a book called champion. I have people in place, and plans to get it published(self-published actually). I am 13, writing this book with my best friend Sadie (one of the main characters), and one of my dreams is to be a writer, as a thirteen-year-old, I’m taking control of my experience with writing, and putting it toward my book. I know many authors, many self-published people, some people’s books have profited, some not, but I’m taking control of my future, building my creativity, and learning. As a teen, this will help build my confidence for the future, and if my book does profit, it will give me an opportunity for a career in writing. This has helped, by taking my character’s conversations and adding emotions.

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  • I NEED OPINIONSSSS i am writing a book, champions is the title, and the main characters are luke,sadie (who are d8ing) amealia,mason,and julia SHOULD THERE BE ROMANCE BETWEEN MASON&AMEALIA (btw amealia is the main character)

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  • Thank you sooooo much. I’m 13 and I’m getting into writting so I’m writting my first story/book. I’m so excited to use these in my story!! ^-^

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  • I am using this list while writing my book, and this is helping me a lot as a young writer. Thanks for making it!

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  • I’ve used this in soooo many stories i’ve written, it’s super helpful. I have been using this for almost a year.

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  • This article has helped me write a story. It’s hard to find other words besides said. It’s nice to have a source that will help you with personal and professional writing.

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  • I recently participated in a four-week dialogue clinic at the local community college, and we debated this subject. What surprised me was that I went back and re-read Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein” and the entire novel was nearly entirely written with “said/say/saying” and “ask/asked/asking.” Obviously, we all can’t write like Mary Shelley, but we should ask ourselves what we are compensating for with our need for stronger dialogue tags.

    Reply
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