10 “Said” Synonyms You Can Use in All Types of Writing

Published on June 16, 2025 by Gina Rancaño, BA

Whether you’re writing a formal text or creative text, you may notice that said is a frequently used verb. After all, it denotes information that someone has spoken. Said can be found in essays such as explanatory essays, where the writer has to explain what a source has, well, said.

It’s also found in creative writing to commence a dialogue. Below, you’ll find five alternatives that are perfect for formal settings and five alternatives that are great for creative writing.

Five Other Ways To Say “Said” In Formal Writing
Five Other Ways To Say “Said” in Creative Writing
He Said, She Said, They Said

Five Other Ways To Say “Said” In Formal Writing

1. Announced

As you might have guessed, this alternative is perfect when you are quoting an announcement.

On Thursday, the Coca-Cola Company said they would be changing the color of their Sprite bottles to allow for easier recycling.

On Thursday, the Coca-Cola Company announced they would be changing the color of their Sprite bottles to allow for easier recycling.

2. Commented

Use this said alternative when you are quoting someone’s opinion or response to something.

“It was long overdue,” the principal said after the school was finally remodeled.

“It was long overdue,” the principal commented after the school was finally remodeled.

3. Explained

Use explained when referring to an explanation someone gave.

The lead scientist said that the results were not at all unusual.

The lead scientist explained that the results were not at all unusual.

4. Replied

Replied is used when someone is answering a question or replying to something.

“The animals are all fine,” said the shelter director when asked about the incident.

“The animals are all fine,” replied the shelter director when asked about the incident.

5. Stated

Stated is used exactly as said, but carries a more formal tone.

She said that all airline issues should be resolved in a few months.

She stated that all airline issues should be resolved in a few months.

Five Other Ways To Say “Said” in Creative Writing

These other words for said are perfect within dialogue, to advance a storyline, or for many other creative uses.

1. Whispered/Exclaimed

Whispered and exclaimed are ideal synonyms when you want your readers to visualize the volume of what the speaker is saying.

“I hope he doesn’t find us,” said Frank.

“I hope he doesn’t find us,” whispered Frank.

“Aw, man! We always lose at hide-n-seek,” said Frank.

“Aw, man! We always lose at hide-n-seek,” exclaimed Frank.

2. Rambled

Rambled implies that the speaker is talking a lot.

“I couldn’t finish my homework because I was sick, hungry and because my little brother was bugging me,” the little girl said.

“I couldn’t finish my homework because I was sick, hungry and because my little brother was bugging me,” the little girl rambled.

3. Chimed

As a verb, the literal definition of chimed is “to make a musical ringing sound.” This is a good word to use to help your readers visualize a happy or excited speaker.

“It’s the last day of school,” he said happily.

“It’s the last day of school,” he chimed happily.

4. Bemoaned

Bemoaned means “to complain or regard something with displeasure,” so use it when you want to display that someone is sad or upset.

“I can’t believe Rufus ran away,” she said.

“I can’t believe Rufus ran away,” she bemoaned.

5. Scolded

Use scolded when the speaker is angry and/or wants to influence someone’s behavior.

“You’re grounded for arriving late,” my mom said.

“You’re grounded for arriving late,” my mom scolded.

He Said, She Said, They Said

💡 Keep in mind that all these examples also work in the present tense.

There are hundreds upon hundreds of different words you can use in place of said. Remember to keep the context in mind when choosing an alternative. Another tip to keep in mind that will help strengthen your writing is to make sure your text is free from spelling and grammar errors. Not only can LanguageTool provide accurate synonyms, but it can check for all types of mistakes in more than twenty languages.

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Gina Rancaño, BA

Gina holds a Bachelor of Arts in English, as well as a certificate in professional and public writing from Florida International University. When she’s not writing, she spends her time reading.

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