The Ultimate Guide to “Said” Alternatives to Improve Your Writing

Your full list of words better than “said” to enhance your writing!

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I hate “said” in writing. I will readily admit it. It invokes no emotion. It doesn’t drive action. And it doesn’t present imagery. I try to avoid “said” as often as possible in my own writing.

This may not be everyone’s style. You might love the word “said”. And more power to you! But for those like me that are looking for stronger alternatives, we present this guide!

Tips & Tricks

It isn’t as easy as just replacing “said” with another word. You want to invoke something. An emotion, an attitude, a sense of body posture. So choosing the right word will help drive conflict forward in your own story.

We have compiled a list below based around some subcategories to help you out!

Anger

• Argued
• Barked
• Growled
• Snarled
• Hissed
• Roared
• Spat
• Demanded
• Snickered
• Taunted
• Threatened
• Grumbled
• Jeered
• Snapped
• Countered
• Ranted
• Retorted

Fear

• Uttered
• Whispered
• Pleaded
• Prayed
• Babbled
• Stuttered
• Sputtered
• Begged

Happy

• Hummed
• Mused
• Commented
• Added

Surprise

• Blurted
• Gasped
• Screamed
• Yelped
• Exclaimed

Sadness

• Sighed
• Mumbled
• Complained
• Bawled

Questioning

• Inquired
• Asked
• Questioned
• Wondered

In Response to

• Responded
• Replied
• Answered

Misc

• Agreed
• Disagreed
• Acquiesced
• Concurred
• Asserted
• Assured
• Commanded
• Recalled
• Remembered
• Droned
• Stated
• Bargained
• Divulged
• Concluded
• Marveled
• Chided
• Observed
• Elaborated

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