Here’s a word choice Synonyms for Said - WritingFix

This writers' handout was designed to accompany one of WritingFix's on-line, interactive writing prompts.

Here's a word choice classroom resource that focuses on better verbs:

Synonyms for Said

Don't just use said. Balance your dialogue verbs between said and its synonyms.

accused

chimed in

explained

maintained

ranted

acknowledged

choked

marveled

reasoned

addressed

chortled

finished

mentioned

reassured

admitted

chorused

fretted

mimicked

recalled

advised

chuckled

moaned

reckoned

affirmed

claimed

gasped

mumbled

related

agreed

clucked

giggled

murmured

remarked

announced

coaxed

greeted

mused

remembered

answered

commanded

groaned

muttered

reminded

approved

commented

growled

repeated

argued

complained

grumbled

nagged

replied

asked

conceded

grunted

nodded

reported

asserted

concluded

guessed

noted

requested

assured

confessed

gulped

responded

avowed

confided

gurgled

objected

retorted

congratulated

observed

revealed

babbled

continued

hinted

offered

roared

barked

convinced

hissed

ordered

bawled

corrected

hollered

sang

beamed

coughed

hypothesized

panted

sassed

begged

cried

piped

screamed

bellowed

croaked

imitated

pleaded

scolded

bleated

crowed

implied

pointed out

shouted

blurted

informed

pondered

shrieked

boasted

dared

inquired

praised

shrilled

boomed

decided

insisted

prayed

sighed

bragged

declared

interjected

proclaimed

smiled

broke in

demanded

interrupted

promised

smirked

bubbled

denied

proposed

snapped

bugged

described

jeered

protested

snarled

disagreed

jested

put in

sneered

called

disclosed

joked

puzzled

sneezed

cautioned

divulged

snickered

chatted

drawled

laughed

quavered

sniffed

chattered

lied

questioned

sniffled

cheered

echoed

lisped

quipped

snorted

chided

exclaimed

quoted

sobbed

speculated spoke

sputtered squeaked stammered

started stated stormed stuttered suggested surmised

taunted teased tempted tested theorized threatened

told

urged uttered

volunteered vowed

wailed warned

wept whimpered

whined whispered wondered

worried

yawned yakked

Don't misunderstand this lesson! Said is an important verb! There are times when it makes sense to use it. Other times, it's a good idea to choose a synonym instead of said. When might you choose to use said as your verb? When might you choose to use one if its synonyms? A good writer makes good choices, often balancing his/her use of verbs.

Look at some of your favorite novels and short stories to help you think about this. Look at newspaper and magazine articles. Who is using said and who isn't?

?2006 Northern Nevada Writing Project. All rights reserved. This resource comes from the best website for writers and writing teachers: http// and Use of this document in the classroom is encouraged and supported. Others must request permission from the website to reproduce.

This handout is featured in the NNWP's "Going Deep with 6 Trait Language" print guide. Visit for information on ordering the complete guide.

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