says synonym for essay

Synonyms of says

• as in tells
• as in expresses
• as in recites
• as in assumes
• as in shares
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Thesaurus Definition of says

 (Entry 1 of 2)

Synonyms & Similar Words

• articulates
• puts into words
• promulgates
• pipes up (with)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• paraphrases
• communicates
• hypothesizes
• presupposes
• takes for granted
• hypothecates
• conjectures
• preconceives
• wonders (about)
• disagrees (with)
• disbelieves
• controverts

Thesaurus Definition of says  (Entry 2 of 2)

• convictions
• enfranchisements

Examples Sentences

• Dan Perry, Newsweek , 4 Jan. 2025
• Max Ufberg, hazlitt.net , 4 Jan. 2025
• Boaz Sobrado, Forbes , 22 Dec. 2024
• Jim Sergent, USA TODAY , 21 Dec. 2024
• Selena Simmons-Duffin, NPR , 6 Jan. 2025
• Michael Goldstein, Forbes , 6 Jan. 2025
• Mario Cortegana, The Athletic , 26 Dec. 2024
• Dan Pompei, The Athletic , 26 Dec. 2024
• Vogue, Vogue , 24 Dec. 2024
• Destiny Jackson, Deadline , 23 Dec. 2024
• Josh Hammer, Newsweek , 24 Dec. 2024
• Jack Irvin, People.com , 23 Dec. 2024
• Kristin Auble, Vogue , 31 Dec. 2024
• Jessica Wong, Forbes , 30 Dec. 2024
• Roger Dooley, Forbes , 26 Dec. 2024
• KFOX Staff, Baltimore Sun , 25 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near says

saying uncle

Cite this Entry

“Says.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus , Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/says. Accessed 19 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on says

Nglish: Translation of says for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of says for Arabic Speakers

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Advertisement

verb as in make declaration

Strongest matches

add , announce , answer , assert , claim , convey , declare , deliver , disclose , do , estimate , express , maintain , mention , read , repeat , reply , report , respond , reveal , speak , state , suggest , tell , voice

Strong matches

affirm , allege , communicate , conjecture , divulge , flap , gab , guess , imagine , imply , jaw , judge , lip , opine , orate , perform , pronounce , rap , recite , rehearse , relate , remark , render , rumor , spiel , utter , verbalize , yak

Weak matches

break silence , come out with , give voice , make known , put forth , put into words

Example Sentences

In Dare I Say It, she says she was initially wary about writing about menopause because she feared negative repercussions for her career.

Amorim says he is not "naive" and understands the pressure he is under.

“To do what he’s doing without your best player for the whole year, that just says a lot,” Lue said.

“The building industry has kept repeating, ‘We can definitely build safely in these neighborhoods,’” says J.P.

But his hip injury, which Draper says flared up after a "week of pre-season" in December, ended those plans.

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.

14 Other Words for “Said” in an Essay

You want to sound as engaging and interesting as possible when writing an essay, and using words like “said” might prevent that.

So, if you’re about to use “said” for the umpteenth time, you’re in luck!

We have gathered some alternatives to show you other ways to say “said” in an essay that are bound to keep the reader entertained.

Other Ways to Say “Said”

Key takeaways.

• “Stated” is a great essay word that shows you are quoting a specific statement from a trustworthy source.
• “Declared” is a great way to describe an announcement or official quote.
• “Mentioned” is a bit simpler and allows you to highlight a quote that’s relevant to your essay.

Keep reading to find out how to quote what someone said in an essay. We’ll go over the three most effective terms to help spice up your academic writing.

One of the most common ways to replace “said” in an essay is “stated.” It’s a great formal synonym that helps to keep things direct and clear for the reader.

It works well before a quote. You should write “stated” to clarify that you’re about to run a quote by the reader.

Of course, you can’t claim that someone “stated” something without backing it up with evidence.

The last thing you’ll want is for the reader to look into the quote and find out it was never actually said.

But, as long as you’ve done your research, this works well. Good academic phrases that start with “stated” help you to establish a clear quote relating to the bulk of your essay.

These essay samples will also help you understand it:

It’s clear that he stated “time is the killer of all things.” However, nobody really understood the prophetic meaning behind it.

She stated that “it’s time to make the changes you want to see in the world.” That’s what led most people to join the revolution.

For a more impactful alternative, you can use “declared.”

You won’t find “declared” quite as often as “said,” but it’s still an incredibly good term to include.

It’s a formal synonym. It also shows that someone announced something important .

Generally, “declared” comes before compelling quotes. It might be more suitable to use it when quoting a famous politician or monarch of some kind.

It’s a surefire way to engage the reader and spark their imagination.

We highly recommend it when you’re certain that it belongs before a quote and will allow you to establish a more powerful meaning behind it.

Perhaps these essay samples will also help you with it:

The king declared “good things will come to those who ask me for them.” He was a very proud man.

She declared that “this was going to be the only time she offered her services to those in need.”

Feel free to use “mentioned,” too. It’s another word you can use instead of “said” in an essay that’ll keep things engaging for the reader.

It’s much subtler than the other phrases. It suggests that someone has made a brief comment about something, and you’d like to quote it for the reader.

Don’t worry; it’s still a good formal synonym. However, you should use it when the quote isn’t the most important part of your essay.

Quotes are there to add a bit of context for the reader. So, they’re not always needed to improve an essay.

“Mentioned” is a simple word that allows you to include a short but interesting quote . However, it usually isn’t as impactful as saying something like “declared” or “exclaimed.”

You can also refer to these essay examples:

The politician mentioned that “we cannot know what we haven’t already experienced.” That resonated with me.

It was clear that he mentioned “things were bound to change soon,” so they had to figure out what he meant.

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407 Other Words for Said to Improve Your Writing

July 25, 2024

Let’s say you’re writing a story, an essay or a research paper. One of the last things you want to do is repeat the same words. And with words like said , things can get a bit tricky. For quotes or dialogue, said is often the default word used when referring to the words of another person. I said. You said. He said. She said. They said. But if it’s repeated too often, your own writing can quickly come across as mundane or unengaging. Perhaps it won’t even capture how the statement was expressed and leaves the reader wondering. Unless it’s a deliberate move, we want to try our best to avoid that. To diversify your vocabulary palette, to pinpoint the emotion you’re trying to convey, check out the lists of other words for said below.

You’ll find words for said that convey emotions like anger or sadness. There’ll be words for said that are more argumentative or expository , and the lists could extend well beyond this article. In short, there’s truly no excuse to not use other words for said when you really need it.

Take a look at the following 10 categories that give you other words for said:

63 words for said that are happy, excited or positive

Here’s a list of other words for said that can express a sense of joy. Was the person saying something with pride? Were they in a chatty mood? Did you want to point out that they joked about the matter? These more positive-sounding words for said might just do the trick to elevate your writing.

• Congratulated
• Complemented

Happy, Excited, Positive (Continued)

24 other words for said that express sadness.

On the flip side, there are other ways to write said that convey sadness or a melancholic state. Words like groaned, lamented or sighed signal to the reader just how the person or character is feeling or behaving. Perhaps someone sobbed through their words instead of just saying them. By choosing another word for said , you’re giving the reader more room to understand and imagine what you’re describing. Which of the following sad words for said would you use?

68 words for said the express anger

You’ll know by now that it’s totally possible to still use the word said and simply couple it with the emotional state the speaker is in. Take a look at the following examples: “Let’s go to the movies,” Jacob said, joyfully. Or how about: That woman said her words with such sadness. But there is an effectiveness in choosing the right word that fully encapsulates or completes the moment described. It’s one thing to write Abigail said it with a lot of anger . It’s another thing to write Abigail snapped. Do you see the difference?

• Interrupted
• Remonstrated

Anger (Continued)

• Reprimanded

55 other words for said that convey fear

Simply stating that someone said something with fear works just fine. But what if you could paint an even clearer picture? Using words like begged, cowered, gasped or pleaded provides more imagery without having to use too many words. Instead of writing out My parents said with worry, “We want to see you before we leave,” how else could this sentence be rewritten, given the following words below? Perhaps, “We want to see you before we leave,” my parents implored. And always consider the context in which you want to use another word for said :

Fear (Continued)

23 words for said that are argumentative and debate-related.

Let’s say you’re writing an academic paper, a college essay or a news article. You’ll need to carefully choose the words that will best convey your, or someone else’s, point. Is the statement something someone simply said ? Or was it argued in a specific way?

• Authenticated
• Corroborated
• Substantiated

24 other words for said that are expository and informative

There is always going to be another word for said when you are explaining something. You could even use that very word instead. Explained .

• Illuminated
• Illustrated

37 words for said that ask a question or are inquisitive

The word asked will be the most widely-used other word for said when a question arises. But take a look at all the other ways that show how exactly the question is being asked:

• Contemplated
• Hypothesized
• Interrogated
• Requisitioned
• Scrutinized

50 other words for said that reveal an answer

Perhaps you’re about to disclose something in your essay . Here are more varied ways you could reveal an answer instead of simply writing said:

• Acknowledged
• Disseminated

Reveal an Answer (Continued)

• Promulgated
• Transmitted
• Volunteered

13 words for said that convey surprise

Just as in real life, there are many ways to say something with surprise. Did they gasp ? Was something blurted out loud? Maybe it was even exclaimed ?

50 other similar words for said

Here are 50 “neutral” words that can also be used instead of said:

• Articulated
• Backtracked
• Communicated
• Interjected

Similar Words (Continued) 

We know. The importance, the simplicity of using “said” in most contexts can’t be overlooked. It’s not going anywhere. But are you conveying the appropriate emotion with which the sentence was said? Is the person you’re quoting stating their argument with remorse or with fervent support? Choosing the right word, instead of always using said , does have the power to change the message you’re trying to make. So why not give it a try?

Additional Resources

Feeling inspired to keep developing your writing skills? Check out these blogs:

• 400 Glorious Adjectives to Describe a Person 
• 100 Creative Writing Prompts for Middle & High School
• 100 Tone Words to Express Mood in Your Writing
• 160 Good Argumentative Essay Topics for Students in 2024
• How to Write the AP Lang Rhetorical Analysis Essay (With Example)
• How to Write the AP Lang Argument Essay (With Example)
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130+ Other Words for "Said": Using Synonyms In Your Writing

• DESCRIPTION words to use instead of said examples chart
• SOURCE Created by Karina Goto for YourDictionary
• PERMISSION Owned by YourDictionary, Copyright YourDictionary

If you’re writing a story, you probably want your characters to talk to each other at some point. (Characters like to do that). But can you avoid the overused word said when describing their conversation? Absolutely you can — and your readers (as well as your characters) will thank you for it.

How To Replace “Said” as a Dialogue Tag

Dialogue tags are those verbs that come after a quotation in a sentence. Usually, the verb is said (because someone just said something). But replacing said can change the entire tone of the dialogue  — and it can make your writing more precise.

• “No one likes your apple pie,” said Doris. (Neutral tone)
• “No one likes your apple pie,” asserted Doris. (Confident tone)
• “No one likes your apple pie,” whispered Doris. (Quiet tone)
• “No one likes your apple pie!” snapped Doris. (Angry tone)
• “No one likes your apple pie,” teased Doris. (Mean tone)
• “No one likes your apple pie,” sobbed Doris. (Sad tone)
• “No one likes your apple pie?” asked Doris. (Questioning tone)

Note that changing a dialogue tag can even change the punctuation of the quote . When said becomes snapped , you add an exclamation point to the quote — and when said becomes asked , you add a question mark .

List of Synonyms for “Said”

Synonyms for said help you avoid repetition and make your writing more interesting. A list of said synonyms for a neutral tone could include:

• volunteered

Note: All synonyms are in the past tense , just like said . If you’re writing in the present tense , you’ll need to put these words into the present tense, like says .

“Said” Synonyms for Speaking Quietly

Said (and the synonyms above) are really for those moments when characters are speaking with a normal, neutral tone. But what about those moments when they need to be quieter — either to keep a secret or to hide from the monster in the next room?

“Said” Synonyms for Speaking Loudly

The monster is here — now you’ve got to scare it away, or loudly warn your companions! Choose from the many options for louder ways to say said , depending on how urgent (or angry) your character feels.

Other Words for “Said” by Emotion

Dialogue doesn’t have to be neutral, quiet, or loud to get the point across. The English language is rife with synonyms for said that address any emotion a character may feel, whether it’s joy, despair, or curiosity.

Another Word for “Said” That Shows Happiness

Using certain words can convey affection, from romantic love to parental care. If you want to give this emotional impression, try one of these sympathetic synonyms for said .

Another Word for “Said” That Shows Sadness

Just because characters feel sad doesn’t mean they don’t want to talk. In fact, characters often sob , lament , and snivel their way through a sad conversation.

Another Word for “Said” That Shows Anger

What happens when you want your character’s fury to seep out of their words? Use these synonyms for said for those key moments of anger.

• remonstrated

Another Word for “Said” That Shows Fear

How do you convey that a character is very afraid without directly stating “He was afraid”? Use synonyms for said that show various levels of fear.

Another Word for “Said” That Shows Excitement

If you’re nice to your characters, they will show their happiness in loud, exuberant ways. So how do you replace said in those moments?

Words To Use Instead of “Said” To Show Uncertainty or Questioning

When a character isn’t stating something, they’re asking it — but is there another word for asked , too? You’re in luck. Asked isn’t your only alternative to said when your characters want to know an answer.

Repetition Is Boring — Yes, We “Said” It

Now that your characters have a bit more to do than simply saying something, it’s time to explore other words you can replace. You may be surprised to find how often you use these common words — and how replacing them can immediately improve your writing.

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119 Useful “Say” Synonyms with Examples | Another Word for “Say”

When we talk about synonyms for ‘say,’ we uncover a range of options that can add color and precision to our sentences. Whether we’re writing a story, giving a speech, or simply sharing an opinion, the verb ‘say’ can often feel overused. That’s why it’s helpful to have a variety of alternatives at our disposal. By choosing the right synonym, we convey not just the message, but also the tone, context, and level of formality.

Say Synonyms

What Is “Say”?

The verb “ say ” is a common one we use to indicate someone is expressing words orally. It’s fundamental in communication, allowing us to convey information, thoughts, or feelings. When we think about “say,” we primarily associate it with the act of speaking.

List of Synonyms for Say

• Communicate
• Demonstrate
• Pontificate

Types of Synonyms for Say

Expressing statements.

• Assert: State something with assurance or confidence.
• Declare:  When we declare, we’re making a statement formally and explicitly.

Conveying Response

• Respond: Reply or give an answer to a question.
• Answer: Providing a response to a question or call.

Reporting Information

• Report: Presenting information.
• Announce:  Announcing involves making a public or official statement about something.

Speaking Casually

• Remark: Remark when we mention something casually.
• Mention:  To mention is to refer to something briefly.

Articulating Thoughts

• Express: Express to convey a thought or feeling in words.
• Voice:  When we voice something, we’re articulating it audibly.

Common Synonyms for Say

Say vs. speak.

Speak  often implies a formal or public setting. While  say  refers to the act of uttering words,  speak  suggests a conversation or a discourse.

• They say honesty is the best policy.
• He will speak at the conference.

Say vs. Tell

Tell  is used when we’re giving information or instructions, usually with an object pronoun or to someone. In contrast,  say  doesn’t require an object.

• She said that the meeting was at noon.
• Please tell us the story.

Say vs. Talk

Talk  is more casual and indicates a two-way communication, unlike  say  which can be one-directional.

• The teacher said we need to submit our essays by Friday.
• We need to talk about your grades.

Say vs. Declare

Declare  carries a sense of formality and often is official or authoritative, whereas  say  is more neutral.

• She said she would be late.
• The judge will declare the verdict .

Synonyms for Say in Different Contexts

Informing or stating.

• Declare :  The candidate declared her intentions to run for office during the press conference.
• Mention :  He forgot to mention the time of the meeting in his email, causing confusion among the attendees.

Expressing an Opinion or Idea

• Assert :  He confidently asserted his right to fair treatment under the law.
• Suggest :  The doctor suggested changing the patient’s diet to improve their health.
• Inquire : She called the hotel to inquire about the availability of a conference room for the event.
• Question :  After reviewing the report, the manager questioned the team’s decision to delay the project launch.
• Command :  The CEO commanded that all departments submit a detailed report by the end of the week.
• Direct :  The traffic officer directed the oncoming cars to take an alternate route due to the accident ahead.

Articulating in a Formal Setting

• Announce :  The government will announce the new environmental regulations on national television.
• Proclaim : The king proclaimed the day of the royal wedding a national holiday.

Absolute and Near Synonyms of Say

Absolute synonyms for say, near synonyms for say, another word for say | image.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some alternative words to use instead of ‘said’ for writing?

When crafting dialogue or narration, using alternatives to ‘said’ can add emotion and clarity to your writing. Words like ‘whispered,’ ‘questioned,’ ‘replied,’ ‘murmured,’ or ‘exclaimed’ serve this purpose well.

Can you list expressions to use in place of ‘say’ for formal tests like the IELTS?

For formal English tests like the IELTS, you can use precise verbs such as ‘assert,’ ‘claim,’ ‘argue,’ ‘suggest,’ or ‘state’ to convey a strong command of the language.

Could you provide a list of synonyms for ‘state’ that could enhance my writing?

Enhance your writing by swapping ‘state’ with ‘articulate,’ ‘express,’ ‘proclaim,’ ‘declare,’ or ‘announce’ to convey information with more nuances.

What are other ways to express the concept of having a say in a decision?

To express having an opinion or part in a decision, we might use phrases like ‘weigh in on,’ ‘contribute to the discussion,’ ‘have input in,’ or ‘participate in the decision-making process.’

What terms can be used as substitutes for common sayings or phrases?

Instead of common sayings, we can use ‘idioms,’ ‘adages,’ ‘maxims,’ or ‘proverbs’ to express similar meanings in a more cultivated manner.

What’s a more sophisticated word for ‘speak’ that I could use in my writing?

If you’re looking for a more sophisticated term for ‘speak,’ consider ‘articulate,’ ‘enunciate,’ ‘elocute,’ or ‘orat’. Each of these lends a specific character and formality to your writing.

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SAT Essay tip: find alternatives to the word “say”

by Erica L. Meltzer | Mar 8, 2017 | Blog , SAT Essay , Students | 0 comments

If you look at the SAT Essay scoring rubric, you’ll find in order to earn a top score of 4 in “Writing,” an essay must demonstrate “a highly effective use and command of language,” and “a consistent use of precise word choice.”

Those are lovely-sounding directives, but they’re also extremely vague. It’s hard to dispute that these are characteristics of good analytical writing, but what do they actually mean, and how can you put them into practice?It’s easy enough to memorize grammatical rules, but style is something that can’t be taught…right? 

I think that very often, skill in writing is conceived of in very black-and-white terms: it’s either something people are born with a knack for, or it’s something that can’t be learned. Obviously, yes, writing comes more easily to some people than to others, but to assume that effective analytical writing — which almost no one is naturally good at — is something that just magically happens , is to overlook the fact that like any other complex activity, it is made up of specific, concrete skills that can be practiced individually. 

In terms of the SAT Essay, I’d like to look at one simple, specific way to make your writing more varied and thus more likely to obtain a high score.

Because the Essay assignment requires that you spend a fair amount of time describing an author’s argument, and that you quote repeatedly from the passage provided, it is very easy to fall into the trap of introducing each reference to the passage the same way: namely, by using the verb  say . 

Don’t get me wrong —  say is a great all-purpose word, but if you write something like, “In the introduction, the author  says xyz….” and then two sentences later, “The author also  says xyz…” and then a couple of sentences after that, “In addition, the author  says …” Well, that’s going to get old pretty darn fast. And in an assignment that’s less-than-thrilling by nature, you don’t want to bore your reader any more than necessary. 

One way to liven things up a bit is therefore to use a variety of different verbs to introduce what the author, well, says. To be clear, these do not need to be “fancy” words; they just need to present an idea or quote smoothly, and in a way that doesn’t involve repeating the same thing over and over again. 

For example: 

-The author states… -The author indicates… -The author asserts…  -The author recounts… -The author explains… -The author reveals… -The author implies… -The author suggests…

You get the picture.

Each time you cite from the passage or summarize a portion of it, pick a different option to introduce the quote or summary. If you can use 5-7 alternatives over the course of your essay, you will leave an overall impression of greater variety and sophistication than would otherwise be the case. And because your reader will spend no more than a couple of minutes scoring your essay, that sort of general impression can count for quite a lot. 

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The Fluency Factory

Gary Saul Morson on Anna Karenina

How I Rewired My Brain to Become Fluent in Math

Letter Against Learning Styles

Mercedes Schneider’s EduBlog

MIT Admissions Blog

Reflections on Liberal Education

The Revenge of K-12 Education

Seven Myths About Education

Silent StopWatch (for standardized tests)

The Usefulness of Brief Instruction in Reading Comprehension Strategies

What David Coleman Doesn’t Know About Literature

Why a Great Individual is Better than a Good Team