Alternative Dialogue Tags/Descriptors: When Said Is Not Enough

A list of alternative tags/descriptors when 'said' doesn't quite cut it. Said is a good word and, most of the time, it is the perfect tag to accompany spoken dialogue in a scene. However, repeated use can make your scene sound or feel monotonous and boring.

These alternatives can spice up a dialogue scene and portray the essence of the spoken sentence more accurately. However, overuse can make your writing sound peculiar and inauthentic. It is a delicate balancing act to use the right word in the right place.

Now go word-seeker! Find that perfect word and use it responsibly! If I'm missing some, feel free to tell me and I will add them to the list.

Dialogue Tags/Descriptors

Asked	Insisted	Swore	Returned	Chided
Said	Muttered	Mumbled	Babbled	Goaded
Put in	Observed	Ordered	Supplied	Echoed
Replied	Warned	Retorted	Lied	Tittered
Pointed out	Whispered	Began	Countered	Shrilled
Told	Commanded	Spat	Pressed	Blustered
Admitted	Called	Yelled	Declared	Ejaculated
Exclaimed	Cried	Rasped	Finished
Bellowed	Hissed	Argued	Offered
Complained	Gasped	Cut in	Enquired
Demanded	Uttered	Snapped	Rumbled
Remarked	Spoke	Grunted	Concluded
Continued	Sobbed	Shot back	Snarled
Questioned	Requested	Snickered	Roared
Explained	Answered	Joked	Corrected
Threatened	Burst out	Mused	Barked
Chipped in	Guessed	Laughed	Vowed
Murmured	Interrupted	Drawled	Grated
Chuckled	Moaned	Confessed	Breathed
Agreed	Hummed	Sneered	Cursed
Added	Teased	Taunted	Purred
Sighed	Screeched	Grumbled	Hedged
Queried	Shrieked	Snuffled	Assured
Repeated	Snorted	Croaked	Gritted
Responded	Growled	Screamed	Scolded
Stammered	Wheezed	Bit out	Promised
Groaned	Blurted	Stated	Panted
Suggested	Shouted	stuttered	chimed