Words to Use Instead of “Said”

When you’re a writer, especially if you’re just starting out, it’s tempting to use the same words over and over again in your writing. 

After all, you want to sound like an expert in your field, and using the same words makes it easy to do that.

However, using the same words too often can actually make your writing sound repetitive and boring. It can also make it harder for readers to understand what you’re trying to say.

To avoid using the same words too often, try to vary your vocabulary by using different words to describe the same thing and you’ll sound like famous writers do. For example, instead of saying “I’m going to show you how to fix a problem,” you could say “I’m going to teach you how to fix a problem.”

This may seem like a small change, but it can make a big difference in the way your writing sounds. It will also help you avoid using the same words over and over again. 

Today, we’ll talk about using different words instead of the word “said”. 

How to Say “Said” in a Different Way?

Words are rich, powerful  tools that can be used to great effect in writing. 

When it comes to dialogue, though, many writers tend to rely on the same handful of crutch words to convey basic meaning. 

“Said” is certainly a perfectly fine word, but if you use it too often, your writing can start to feel flat and lifeless.

Here are some alternative words to use instead of “said” the next time you’re writing dialogue:

Argued: To argue is to present reasons for or against something. When used as a verb, “argued” usually means that someone has presented strong reasons for their position.

Bellowed: To bellow is to speak in a very deep, loud voice. When used as a verb, “bellowed” usually means that someone has spoken in a very deep and loud voice.

Shouted: To shout is to speak or cry out loudly. When used as a verb, “shouted” usually means that someone has spoken or cried out in a very loud voice.

Whispered: To whisper is to speak in a low, soft voice. When used as a verb, “whispered” usually means that someone has spoken in a very low and soft voice.

Yelled: To yell is to speak or cry out in a loud, angry voice. When used as a verb, “yelled” usually means that someone has spoken or cried out in a very loud and angry voice.

Murmured: To murmur is to speak in a low, soft voice. When used as a verb, “murmured” usually means that someone has spoken in a low and soft voice.

Insisted: To insist is to demand or require something. When used as a verb, “insisted” usually means that someone has demanded or required something in a very forceful way.

Suggested: To suggest is to offer an idea or plan. When used as a verb, “suggested” usually means that someone has offered an idea or plan in a polite or helpful way.

Declared: To declare is to state something in a clear, forceful way. When used as a verb, “declared” usually means that someone has stated something in a very clear and forceful way.

Stated: To state is to express something in a clear, concise way. When used as a verb, “stated” usually means that someone has expressed something in a clear and concise way.

Commented: To comment is to say something about something else. When used as a verb, “commented” usually means that someone has made a statement about something else in a polite or helpful way.

Remarked: To remark is to say something about something else. When used as a verb, “remarked” usually means that someone has made a statement about something else in a polite or helpful way.

Replied: To reply is to say something in response to something else. When used as a verb, “replied” usually means that someone has said something in response to something else that was said.

Responded: To respond is to say something in response to something else. When used as a verb, “responded” usually means that someone has said something in response to something else that was said.

Retorted: To retort is to say something in response to something else, often in a way that is critical or sarcastic. When used as a verb, “retorted” usually means that someone has said something in response to something else in a way that is critical or sarcastic.

Observed: To observe is to watch or notice something. When used as a verb, “observed” usually means that someone has watched or noticed something happening.

Noted: To note is to watch or notice something. When used as a verb, “noted” usually means that someone has watched or noticed something happening.

Exclaimed: To exclaim is to cry out in surprise, fear, or joy. When used as a verb, “exclaimed” usually means that someone has cried out in surprise, fear, or joy.

Cried: To cry is to speak in a loud, emotional voice. When used as a verb, “cried” usually means that someone has spoken in a very loud and emotional voice.

Sighed: To sigh is to exhale deeply in relief, sadness, or boredom. When used as a verb, “sighed” usually means that someone has exhaled deeply in relief, sadness, or boredom.

Laughed: To laugh is to make a sound with one’s mouth that indicates amusement. When used as a verb, “laughed” usually means that someone has made a sound with their mouth that indicates amusement.

Gasped: To gasp is to inhale sharply in surprise, fear, or pain. When used as a verb, “gasped” usually means that someone has inhaled sharply in surprise, fear, or pain.

Screamed: To scream is to cry out in a very loud, high-pitched voice. When used as a verb, “screamed” usually means that someone has cried out in a very loud and high-pitched voice.

Stuttered: To stutter is to speak with pauses or repeated sounds due to anxiety or excitement. When used as a verb, “stuttered” usually means that someone has spoken with pauses or repeated sounds due to anxiety or excitement.

Examples

Here are some examples on how you can use these words instead of “said” in your narrative: 

• Argued – “I can’t believe you would say that,” she argued.

• Bellowed – He bellowed, “I’m not going to put up with this anymore!”

• Cried – She cried, “Why did you do that?”

• Declared – He declared, “I’m the best basketball player in the world.”

• Exclaimed – “I won the lottery!” she exclaimed.

• Gasped – He gasped, “I can’t believe you did that!”

• Hissed – “You’re a snake,” she hissed.

• Implored – “Please don’t leave me,” he implored.

• Laughed – “That’s the funniest thing I’ve ever heard,” she laughed.

• Muttered – “I’m not going to put up with this,” he muttered under his breath.

• Screamed – “Help!” she screamed at the top of her lungs.

• shouted –  “I’m not going to do this!” he shouted.

• Whispered – “I love you,” she whispered.

• Yelled – “Get out of my house!” he yelled.

• Murmured – “This is going to be great,” she murmured.

• Insisted – “You need to listen to me,” she insisted.

• Suggested – “Maybe we should go for a walk,” he suggested.

• Stuttered – “I-I-I don’t know what to say,” he stuttered.

• Stated – “This is my territory,” she stated.

• Commented – “That’s an interesting perspective,” he commented.

• Remarked – “You’ve changed,” she remarked.

• Replied – “I’m sorry,” he replied.

• Responded – “I didn’t mean to hurt you,” she responded.

• Retorted – “You’re nothing but a coward,” he retorted.

• Observed – “Interesting,” she observed.

• Noted – “I’ll have to remember that,” he noted.

• Sighed – “This is so frustrating,” she sighed.

These are just a few of the many possibilities. The key is to mix things up and use whatever words best fit the tone and context of your scene. 

With a little practice, you’ll be writing lively, engaging dialogue in no time!