Improve your Dialog by Using Alternate Words for Said.
Replacement words can tell your readers how the dialog was expressed, the tone of voice, or the emotion behind the words.
There is nothing wrong in using said. Some writers call it an invisible word.
You can always use small actions to express the deeper meaning you wish to convey.
You should develop your characters through dialog. See our post: How to use Dialog Tags
This list of alternate words can help you do that,
More Expressive Verbs, can Change the Meaning of the Dialog.
EXAMPLES:
“I can’t” she wailed
“I can’t” she confided
“I can’t” she apologized
“I can’t” she pleaded
Some writers use adverbs to express emotion in dialog.
But the Right Verb will Create Stronger Dialog.
EXAMPLES:
Said teasingly Teased
Said worriedly Worried
Said Jokingly Joked
For more information about strengthening your dialog check out: Add Punch to Your Dialog
Writing Good Dialog is an Essential Part of Storytelling.
Having a list of alternate words for said and ask, has improved our creative writing. Do you think this list will be helpful to you?
If so, you might want to check out our list of replacement words for ASK. Tell us what you think in comments or in our Forum
We hope we hope this list of words to replace said will be helpful to you.
You might want to print or bookmark this post, so when you need another word for said you have a resource.
Replacement Words for SAID
| Agreed | Declared | Stated | Replied | Hooted |
| Shouted | Wailed | Stammered | Spoke | Commanded |
| Whined | Scolded | Acknowledged | Answered | Advocated |
| Dared | Assured | Called | Chided | Threatened |
| Drawled | Coaxed | Cried | Divulged | Swore |
| Addressed | Bellowed | Confided | Denied | Apologized |
| Whispered | Rejoiced | Informed | Blurted | Croaked |
| Urged | Snarled | Yelled | Whined | Objected |
| Promised | Objected | Lectured | Pleaded | Uttered |
| Uttered | Protested | Pointed out | Joked | Needled |
| Snickered | Laughed | Teased | Squealed | Hissed |
| Interjected | Worried | Volunteered | Told | Confided |
| Ranted | Scolded | Wheezed | Responded | Implied |
| Claimed | Puzzled | Jested | Demanded | Reminded |
| Confided | Cooed | Echoed | Disagreed | Admitted |
| Agreed | Notified | Gushed | Hinted | Observed |
| Grumbled | Promised | Snorted | Sobbed | Teased |
| Ranted | Smiled | Smirked | Grinned | Praised |
| Hissed | Explained | Greeted | Squealed | Mused |
| Vowed | Responded | Recalled | Insisted | Cautioned |
| Lectured | Hollered | Gasped | Asserted |
Happy Writing
John & Patty
John and I have written an e-book for for new writers. 
We have developed a method that will simplify your creative writing.
We call it the STORYBOARD METHOD.
We have written 4 books using this method.
It is FREE for you to DOWNLOAD.
