English LanguageStart - Smart Words

These english synonyms and antonyms for all kind of language and speech related words has been arranged by categories. For each word (say, said, ask, call, ...) you will find about 10 to 40 synonyms. Antonyms are included in the sense, that the words consists mostly of pairs which have the opposite meaning.

The following words all describe manners of speaking or tones of voice (often reflecting the emotional state of the speaker) and should be used when necessary and appropriate.

said babble bark bawl beam
bellow bleat blurt boast brag
cajole cheer choke chuckle cough
crow cry drawl fret fulminate
gasp giggle groan growl grumble
grunt hiss holler howl jeer
laugh lisp marvel mimic moan
mumble murmur mutter muse nod
pant pipe quaver rant roar
scold scream screech shout shriek
sigh sing smile smirk snap
snarl sneer sneeze snicker sniff
snort sob sputter squawk squeak
stammer storm thunder trumpet vociferate
wail weep whimper whine whisper
worry yell

It is not recommended to just use said. Try to balance your dialogue words between said and its synonyms. Said is a mighty verb (to be exact: Past tense and past participle of say)! There are times when it makes sense to use it. Other times, it's a proper idea to select a synonym instead of said. A distinguished writer employs alternatives, often harmonizing the use of similar words. Have a look at some of your favorite novels, short stories, newspaper and magazine articles to help you to dwell further into this subject.