Words to Use Instead of “Replied”
19 items ranked
Whether you’re describing a dialogue in a novel, a police report, or an email to a friend, you can almost always use a more descriptive verb than the neutral “replied.” These word choices offer more information to your reader than simply stating that one of the speakers verbally expressed words.
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1.
Argued
7 points - added 14 years ago by kris -
2.
Screamed
7 points - added 14 years ago by kris -
3.
Came back with
This is an informal, relatively subtle way to show that the conversation was heated.
6 points - added 14 years ago by kris -
4.
Contradicted
6 points - added 14 years ago by kris -
5.
Mumbled
“Mumbled” is especially helpful for showing belligerence, disinterest, or drunkenness
5 points - added 14 years ago by kris -
6.
Muttered
5 points - added 14 years ago by kris -
7.
Whispered
5 points - added 14 years ago by kris -
8.
Breathed
4 points - added 14 years ago by kris -
9.
Reacted
3 points - added 14 years ago by kris -
10.
Disputed
3 points - added 14 years ago by kris -
11.
Retorted
See? It suggests a snippy attitude.
2 points - added 14 years ago by kris -
12.
Dodged
2 points - added 14 years ago by kris -
13.
Snapped
2 points - added 14 years ago by kris -
14.
Conceded
This one is great for showing which speaker has “won” the argument.
1 point - added 14 years ago by kris -
15.
Countered
0 points - added 14 years ago by kris -
16.
Parried
0 points - added 14 years ago by kris -
17.
Concurred
0 points - added 14 years ago by kris -
18.
Evaded
This can be especially useful to describe a person’s refusal to engage in the conversation.
-2 points - added 14 years ago by kris -
19.
Hollered
Assuming the slanginess of the word fits the scene you’re describing, it can add a punch to your narrative.
-3 points - added 14 years ago by kris -
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