If you are reading this article, chances are you want to take a break from the word “said”. While there is absolutely nothing wrong with the phrase “She said.” and “Said Robert”, all of us would love to put in more variations into our dialogue to keep readers engaged.
Practically speaking, we can make substitutions based on various emotional or tonal context such as excitement, anger, sadness, affection, etc. Here are lists of dialogue tags categorized to keep your writing vivid and engaging.
Exclaimed
Cheered
Chirped
Gushed
Raved
Rejoiced
Blurted
Celebrated
Beamed
Exulted
Effused
Enthused
Applauded
Jubilated
Glowed
Sparkled
Triumphed
Elated
Ecstatic
Energized
Animated
Vibrated
Radiated
Delighted
Bubbled
Gleamed
Pulsated
Quavered
Muttered
Fretted
Shuddered
Faltered
Chocked
Shrilled
Screamed
Quaked
Shrieked
Gulped
Panicked
Cringed
Hesitated
Cowered
Tensed
Froze
Retreated
Flinched
Winced
Mourned
Sighed
Lamented
Wept
Sobbed
Whispered
Moaned
Muttered
Groaned
Cried
Wailed
Whimpered
Murmured
Bemoaned
Pleaded
Sniffled
Blubbered
Keened
Bewailed
Despaired
Announced
Reported
Remarked
Stated
Explained
Commented
Declared
Recited
Proclaimed
Asserted
Declared
Asserted
Proclaimed
Announced
Affirmed
Avowed
Stated
Insisted
Maintained
Contended
Professed
Boasted
Pronounced
Advised
Commanded
Snapped
Shouted
Barked
Roared
Screamed
Yelled
Snarled
Growled
Bellowed
Fumed
Blustered
Raged
Seethed
Hissed
Stormed
Ranted
Raved
Scolded
Spewed
Grumbled
Cooed
Confided
Admired
Purred
Crooned
Cherished
Complimented
Praised
Extolled
Celebrated
Treasured
Applauded
Enthused
Adored
Whispered
Hushed
Breathed
Mumbled
Mouthed
Subdued
Replied
Responded
Mentioned
Noted
Discussed
Voiced
Wait, don’t stop here. You can click here to better punctuate your dialogue and get more variations in your story.