Alternatives for Said
The following is a list of words I have compiled that can be used to replace the word "said".
Don't be too hasty to dismiss the word "said" from your creative writing. It's still a strong, useful and very flexible word. But if you are in need of an descriptive alternative then you've found the right place.
Don't be too hasty to dismiss the word "said" from your creative writing. It's still a strong, useful and very flexible word. But if you are in need of an descriptive alternative then you've found the right place.
The Write Stuff at Amazon
Writing Dialogue
Amazon Price: $10.19 (as of 07/13/2009) 
Alternatives for the word 'said'...
- blurted
- grunted
- grumbled
- growled
- spat
- seethed
- sneered
- rebuked
- whinged
- jeered
- scoffed
- snarled
- frown
- grimaced
- scowled
- stammered
- stuttered
- slurred
- blubbered
- burped
- belched
- sighed
- whispered
- muttered
- murmured
- lied
- cursed
- evaded
- exaggerated
- reported
- laughed
- snorted
- smirked
- grinned
- chortled
- stirred
- remarked
- suggested
- interjected
- pointed out
- added
- offered
- answered
- countered
- continued
- reminded
- remembered
- reminisced
- panted
- puffed
- huffed
- breathed
- coughed
- wheezed
- gasped
- exasperated
- gave in
- conceded
- apologised
- told
- stated
- commented
- claimed
- called
- called back
- spoke
- spoke up
- interrupted
- cut-off
- injected
- corrected
- shouted
- spouted
- joined in
- screamed
- told off
- admonished
- snapped
- insisted
- disagreed
- objected
- disapproved
- frowned
- warned
- gestured
- cautioned
- denied
- agreed
- confirmed
- shrugged
- retorted
- nodded
- responded
- decided
- approved
- reassured
- admitted
- assured
- soothed
- acknowledged
- asked
- pleaded
- appealed
- inquired
- requested
- queried
- questioned
- demanded
- commanded
The Write Stuff at Amazon
The Book of Dialogue: How to Write Effective Conversation in Fiction, Screenplays, Drama, and Poetry
Amazon Price: $17.95 (as of 07/13/2009)
WARNING
- Avoid using many especially not all of these alternative words. the word 'said' is reliable and hard working word. Using too many alternatives in place of it can backfire.
- This list is for the purposes of CREATIVE writing. Don't be inclined to use it if you are a novice trying your hand at journalism or if you're writing an affidavit for court. Otherwise you could end up incorrectly stating an opinionated disposition that the person who has being quoted may not have implied.
Feedback...
Do you have one not already on the list? Suggest it here. You'll be credited, if you so wish.
EternalFlame wrote...
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Posted February 13, 2009
JaZilla wrote...
Less is more, even in creative writing. If you have to say that someone "seethed", then you probably haven't written their words effectively yet.
Posted January 22, 2007
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