said synonym in essay

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General Education

One of the words that comes up most commonly in various types of writing, from fiction to academic writing, is the word “said.” Any time a writer is referencing the words or thoughts expressed by another person, whether that be thoughts expressed verbally or in writing, an appropriate way to introduce--or attribute--that person’s thoughts is with the phrase “said.” 

But if you’re incorporating a lot of quotations in your writing, you might find yourself repeating  the word “said” a lot. Repeating the same phrase in a piece of writing can start to feel monotonous, which is why incorporating synonyms or an oft-used word or phrase can make your writing more interesting and accurate. But here’s some good news: there are tons of other words for “said” out there for you to use! 

To help you build a repertoire of words to replace “said,” we’re going to do the following in this article: 

• Explain the importance of using word variety and avoiding repetition of the same word in your writing
• Explain when to use “said” and when not to use “said” 
• Provide a comprehensive list of alternative words for “said,” organized into categories based on emotion and intention

Ready to check out some synonyms for “said”? Then let’s get going!

Other Words for Said 

To give you the most comprehensive and easy-to-navigate list, we’ve organized our list into two main categories: first, we’re including several lists of other words for “said” by emotion , and second, we’re including several lists of different words for “said” by intention or action . You can decide what meaning you’re trying to express in your writing, and use our lists accordingly!

Happy Words to Use Instead of “Said”

We’re going to kick off our list by giving you a lot of other words for “said” by emotion, starting with synonyms for “said” that convey a happy, joyful, or positive tone. 

Sad Words to Use Instead of “Said” 

Sadness is a common emotion expressed in writing--let’s look at a few synonyms for “said” that convey sadness. 

Angry Words to Replace “Said”

There are a ton of synonyms for “said” that express anger, and we’ve included several of them for you here. 

Different Words for “Said” That Express Shock or Surprise

When you want to communicate a tone of shock or surprise in your writing, try using these synonyms for “said”! 

Other Words for “Said” That Express Fear

The last emotion it might be helpful to be able to express accurately and vividly in your writing is fear. Here’s a list of synonyms for “said” that you can use to demonstrate a feeling of fear. 

Words to Replace “Said” That Are Expository

If you’re working with a quote in which the speaker is clarifying information or explaining something, you can try out these words instead of “said”!

Other Words for “Said” That Are Argumentative

When you incorporate quotes or dialogue that make an argument, use these synonyms for “said” in your attributions.

Words to Use Instead of “Said” That Are Critical 

If a speaker in a quote or piece of dialogue is forming a critique, incorporate one of these different words for “said” in your attribution.

Words to Use Instead of “Said” That Are Implicative

Try using these alternative words for “said” that imply meaning. 

Words to Replace “Said” That Seek Information

Sometimes you need to include an attribution that shows a speaker is searching for information. These synonyms for “said” can help you establish a tone of inquisitiveness!

Words to Replace “Said” That Reveal Information

Finally, if you need a word other than “said” that reveals information, try out the options in the list below. 

When to Use Different Words for “Said” in Your Writing...And When Not To

In most cases, deciding when to use words other than “said” in your writing is up to your discretion. But there are actually some situations when it’s correct to use “said” exclusively to attribute a piece of dialogue or a quote in your writing . This depends on the type of writing, so we’re going to break down the situations when you should definitely use “said” here!

The first situation where you can expect to see writers exclusively using “said” is in any type of writing that relies on AP Style . “AP” stands for “Associated Press,” and this set of style guidelines is the standard for journalistic writing. This includes writing for newspapers, magazines, and public relations in the United States. AP Style provides a lot of rules about grammar, spelling, punctuation, and language use, and using “said” for quote attribution is one of those rules.

Impartiality and objectivity are two values that are extremely important in journalistic writing. Unlike many synonyms for “said,” which reveal a speaker’s feelings, attitude, or intentions, “said” doesn’t try to interpret the feelings, attitude, or intentions of the speaker. “Said” just states factual information: the words in the quote were spoken by a person or group of people . Using “said” allows the journalist to remain impartial and objective about the information, and it also lets readers interpret the meaning of quoted material on their own. 

Technical Writing

While not exactly a rule, using “said” is an unspoken expectation for quote attribution in technical writing. Technical writing is a style of writing used in business environments and some scientific fields, like engineering . It’s important for this style of writing to be clear, specific, and, in most cases, concise. In fact, readers of technical writing appreciate a writer’s ability to communicate directly and plainly by using short, direct words. That’s why “said” is the best choice for introducing quotes or paraphrases in technical writing: it’s clear, specific, and concise. 

Creative Writing 

Creative writing is a third situation that might require you to think strategically about when to use “said.” In creative writing--like fiction, for instance--when and how often to use “said” is pretty much up for debate. There are a lot of synonyms for “said” that you can use to convey the emotions or intentions of a character in dialogue, but you don’t necessarily have to use some flowery synonym for “said” every time you include a piece of dialogue in creative writing. In fact, sometimes it’s okay to strategically omit attributions altogether. 

Here’s one example of a way to present dialogue in creative writing that doesn’t overuse attributions: 

“I suppose I didn’t see the point.” Paige shook her head. “It’s not like you would’ve let me go if I’d told you ahead of time.” 

“That’s really selfish, Paige.” 

Even without attributions for every piece of dialogue in the example above, you can still get an idea of how the characters feel and what their intentions are through the dialogue beats (“She crossed her arms angrily,” and, “Paige shook her head”) . Alternatively, dialogue attributions in creative writing are another place where word variety is important. Your attributions are a great way for you to add emotion and imagery to your work. That means sometimes you might simply use “said,” sometimes you might use a more expressive synonym for “said,” and other times you might forego attributions altogether.

Academic Writing

One final writing situation where you’ll find yourself needing to make decisions about when to use “said” is academic, research-based writing. In academic writing, it’s important to be clear about who you are quoting and to provide adequate context for the quote you include. For example, if the scholar you’re quoting is making an argument in the quote you include, it would be more accurate to say, “Dr. Garcia argued” or “Dr. Garcia claimed,” instead of “Dr. Garcia said .” Using a quote attribution that gives your reader a clearer sense of the speaker or writer’s purpose and tone. 

3 Reasons Why Word Variety Is Important in Writing

Word variety is important to any type of writing for three main reasons: using a variety of words can make your writing more engaging, more accurate, and more expressive .

First, using a variety of words can make your writing more engaging and interesting for the people who are reading it. In some types of writing, like poetry , repetition is used as a strategic stylistic device. In lots of cases, though, writers repeat the same word because they don’t know its synonyms. After a while, readers might feel a bit exhausted by repetitiveness in a piece of writing. That’s one reason why knowing and using synonyms for commonly repeated words is so important!

Second, word variety can make your writing more accurate. For example, while “said” is always going to accurately describe a piece of dialogue or a quote from an outside source, there are words to use instead of “said” that can reveal the intention behind dialogue or the information conveyed in a quote . 

Let’s say you incorporate a quote where the author is disagreeing with a point made by a scholar. Sure, you could introduce that quote with, “Dr. Smith said.” But you could be more accurate by introducing the quote with a word that indicates that the quote is going to express disagreement, like, “Dr. Smith countered ” or “Dr. Smith responded .” 

Finally, your writing is expressive and vivid when you avoid repetition . When your word choice reflects the emotions or tone expressed by a quote or piece of dialogue that you include in your writing, your readers can get a better sense of your intended meaning. Using synonyms for “said” to create tone and imagery in your writing can help readers better understand your position and make them more willing to buy into your ideas. 

What’s Next? 

If you’re studying for the verbal portion of your SAT or ACT, we’ve got you covered. Here are our expert guides to the verbal portions of the SAT and ACT , and we even have tips and tricks to help you tackle the essay sections ! These are just a few of the tons (and tons!) of resources we have, so be sure to check out our blog for more information.

This cheat sheet for ways to say “said” can be really helpful if you’re starting to write your college admissions essays . Learn how to start your essay off perfectly , and make sure you know the biggest mistakes you should avoid , too.

If you’re using this guide to help you write creatively, you might be a great fit for a creative writing degree ! Here’s a guide to the best creative writing colleges and programs in the United States. 

Ashley Sufflé Robinson has a Ph.D. in 19th Century English Literature. As a content writer for PrepScholar, Ashley is passionate about giving college-bound students the in-depth information they need to get into the school of their dreams.

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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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270+ Other Words For "Said" To Supercharge Your Writing

If you've read our previous post on writing dialogue , you'll know that you shouldn't be afraid to default to he said , she said , or they said  when you're tagging your dialogue. After all, it's probably the clearest, least distracting way to indicate who's saying what. That being said, it can be useful to deploy a specific and powerful dialogue tag every now and again. 

Which dialogue tag are YOU?

Find out in just a minute.

To help you find that perfect synonym to inject action and emotion into your dialogue, here are over 270 other words for said:

Neutral/multi-purpose words

Happy/excited words , sad/upset words , angry words , annoyed words, frightened/pained words, prideful words.

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300+ Ways to Say “Said” (“Say”): A Word List for Writers

He Said. She Said. They Said.

Said is a convenient word when you need it, and some pundits claim you should never use anything else, ever, to attribute dialogue.

I disagree.

Please don’t get huffy until you read this entire post, especially if you’re a writer who swears on a bushel of Dothraki bells that said is the best way — nay, the only way — to tag conversation.

Repeat any word often enough, and it morphs into an irritation just as obnoxious as a saddle sore on a long ride.

Forget the rules . Invent your own. Whatever engages readers is right.

Consider the Following Micro-Story

An icy draft speared through the living room as John stepped into the house from the wintry blizzard that raged outside. His arms overflowed with packages.

“Please close the door,” Amy said . “It’s freezing in here.”

John said , “Close it yourself!”

Amy said back, in an angry tone, “What did you say?”

“I told you to close it yourself,” he said , in a voice so loud it rattled the windows.

She pressed her lips into a firm white line and said , “You’re the one who pays the heating bill. But I guess you have lots of money. You can afford it.”

He slammed the door closed and said , “If you’d get off your duff and find a job, I wouldn’t have to pay all the bills myself.”

Amy said , “Well, if you hadn’t got me preg —”

“You’re pregnant?” John said . “Why didn’t you say something?”

Try This Instead

Amy glanced up from the baby booties she was knitting. “Please close the door. It’s freezing in here.”

John glowered . “Close it yourself!”

“What did you say?”

“I told you to close it yourself.” The windows rattled. From the angry volume of his voice? Or the storm?

She pressed her lips into a firm white line. “You’re the one who pays the heating bill. But I guess you have lots of money. You can afford it.”

He slammed the door. “If you’d get off your duff and find a job, I wouldn’t have to pay all the bills myself.”

“Well, if you hadn’t got me preg —”

“You’re pregnant?” John beamed and dropped the packages. “Why didn’t you say something?”

Did You Notice the Changes in the Second Piece?

#1. Two paragraphs have no attribution. With obvious back and forth of dialogue, it’s unnecessary and distracting to tag every snippet of speech

#2. Action beats replace dialogue tags in a few spots.

Amy glanced up

John glowered

She pressed her lips

He slammed the door

John beamed

#3. The knitting of baby booties gives readers a clue about the ending, which comes as an abrupt surprise in the first piece.

#4. One adjective, angry , describes John’s attitude. Yes, it’s a tell, and the pundits who recommend that you should always show might disagree with its use. However, rules are made to be broken. Right?

#5. One narrative statement becomes interrogative. Judicious use of questions can draw readers into prose or poetry.

Reread the pieces to see how much stronger the second example is. Both contain the same number of words.

Now Consider a Third Version

John retorted, “Close it yourself!”

“I told you to close it yourself,” he snapped. The windows rattled. Perhaps from the angry volume of his voice?

Did You Catch the Two Said Alternatives?

Retorted and snapped are so much more effective than said .

But don’t overdo! Like exclamation points, em dashes, and ellipses , excessive use of colorful verbs for dialogue tags irritates readers.

By the way, the third piece contains the same number of words as the first two.

And About That Slamming Door

It’s unnecessary to say someone slams a door closed.

Whenever You Need a Direct Replacement for Said , Refer to This List

Some of these words contravene the show, don’t tell rule.

As always, watch for clichés, and apply these suggestions sparingly. Some, while suitable for children, might not be appropriate for adults.

Words such as neighed or whickered can describe a character’s voice , especially appropriate for someone with a horsey face. Frugal use recommended.

Although many writers show their characters laughing, sighing, sobbing, or breathing speech, I recommend you avoid verbs like these as dialogue tags. Save them for action beats, or substitute body language to show emotions.

Lied or doubted and their ilk can break point of view if not used correctly. Many of these would be suitable for micro fiction where tell is often the norm, because show requires too many words.

A accused, acknowledged, acquiesced, added, admitted, admonished, advised, advocated, affirmed, agreed, alleged, announced, answered, apologized, applauded, argued, asked, assented, asserted, assured, avowed

B babbled, badgered, barked, began, begged, bellowed, bellyached, beseeched, bickered, blabbed, blabbered, blathered, bleated, blubbered, blurted, boasted, boomed, bragged, brayed, broke in, bubbled, burst out

C cajoled, called, carped, cautioned, challenged, charged, chatted, chattered, cheered, chided, chimed in, chirped, chittered, chorused, claimed, clarified, clucked, coached, coaxed, commanded, commented, complained, complimented, conceded, concluded, concurred, confessed, confided, confirmed, congratulated, contended, continued, contradicted, contributed, cooed, corrected, corroborated, counseled, countered, cried, croaked, crowed, cursed

D and E debated, decided, declared, decreed, deduced, demanded, demurred, denied, described, directed, disagreed, disclosed, disputed, dissented, divulged, doubted, drawled, dribbled, droned, echoed, effused, ejaculated, elucidated, emphasized, encouraged, ended, entreated, exclaimed, explained, exploded, exulted

F to H finished, fretted, fussed, gibbered, gibed, gloated, granted, greeted, griped, groaned, growled, grunted, grumbled, guaranteed, guessed, gurgled, gushed, harangued, hinted, hissed, hollered, howled, huffed, hypothesized

I to M imitated, implied, implored, informed, inquired, insisted, interjected, interrupted, intoned, instructed, invited, jabbered, jeered, jested, jibed, joined in, joked, lamented, lectured, lied, lisped, maintained, marveled, mentioned, mimicked, mocked, mumbled, murmured, mused, muttered

N to P nagged, nattered, neighed, nitpicked, noted, objected, observed, offered, opined, ordered, persisted, persuaded, pestered, piped, pleaded, pled, pledged, pointed out, pondered, praised, prated, prattled, prayed, pressed, proclaimed, professed, promised, proposed, protested, provoked, purred, put in, puzzled

Q and R quavered, queried, questioned, quipped, quizzed, quoted, raged, ranted, rattled on, reasoned, reassured, rebuked, recalled, reckoned, recommended, recounted, reiterated, rejoined, related, remarked, remembered, reminded, repeated, replied, reported, reprimanded, reproached, reproved, requested, resounded, responded, resumed, retaliated, retorted, revealed, roared

S and T sang, sassed, screamed, scoffed, scolded, shot, shouted, shrieked, shrilled, slurred, snapped, snarled, sniveled, spat, speculated, spluttered, spoke, squeaked, squealed, stammered, started, stated, stormed, stressed, stuttered, suggested, surmised, swore, tattled, taunted, teased, testified, theorized, threatened, thundered, told, trilled, tutted

U to Y urged, uttered, verified, volunteered, vowed, wailed, warned, weighed in, went on, wheedled, whickered, whimpered, whined, whinnied, whispered, whooped, wondered, worried, yammered, yawned, yakked, yelled, yelped, yowled

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8 thoughts on “ 300+ Ways to Say “Said” (“Say”): A Word List for Writers ”

I don’t use dialogue tags. Never. They’re a distraction created by lazy writers. You have to be more careful to make sure the reader knows who’s talking, though.

Gordon, if you can do that and produce a story that seems natural, good going. However, wouldn’t the absolute avoidance of anything, whether it be dialogue tags or adverbs, seem unnatural to readers?

You make some good points. I find ‘said’ annoying when it is a question. It is technically correct, but that is a personal tick. If it is a question and needs a dialogue tag, I used asked. I am also willing to use whispered and shouted. I really do not care what ‘rule’ someone else makes up. But that is the full list of dialogue tags I am willing to use. If only two people are speaking, the reader should be able to tell who is speaking much of the time without being told. If they cannot, a beat will often be good, but you don’t want to turn your character into a jackrabbit by making her bob about too much either. A judicious mix when needed is, in my opinion, the best choice.

I prefer simple: asked, in/enquired, requested, demanded, stated, whispered, mumbled, murmured, muttered, yelled, shouted, explained, and a few others.

However, when writing for kids or creating a humor piece, words such as brayed, cawed, etc., create the perfect image.

I’m somewhere in the middle when it comes to the “said” argument. While the tags “said” and “asked” are generally invisible, they’re also pretty bland at times and not entirely sufficient at getting across the intended tone or inflection of a person’s voice.

People don’t always just “say” things. Sometimes they scream, whisper, mutter, hiss, and so on.

I’m in the middle too, Rhonda. I’m usually not keen on a character “whinnying” dialogue, but in rare cases, it works.

I hope 2022 is treating you well!

Great article! I love the rewritten versions, much improved, and the list is very helpful too. Your advice is solid — not to be completely rigid on “always use said” but not to overdo the alternates.

One additional consideration when using action beats in lieu of dialogue tags, is whether a listener will be able to interpret dialogue as dialogue when the story is read aloud. In your examples above it’s clear, but sometimes a character will say something that could easily be interpreted as narrative rather than dialogue.

I often read novels aloud to my children, and sometimes have to stop and explain who was speaking, or insert dialogue tags myself.

Thanks, Mike. Great tips!

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There are many synonyms for the word said. Said and its synonyms can also be described by adding an adverb. Said is the most frequently used word to indicate that a person is speaking in writing. You should heed the warnings below from top writers and instructors that replacing said or using adverbs to describe said is usually a bad idea. Using many said synonyms or alternatives can make your writing stilted and disrupt the flow.

Here are three ways you can replace or modify said in a sentence. In these examples we will change the following the sentence: Bob said, "There are no bears in the woods."

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Another Word for SAID: 80+ Useful Said Synonyms to Improve Your Vocabulary

Are you tired of using the word “said” repeatedly in your writing? We know we are! That’s why we’ve put together a list of synonyms for “said” to help spice up your writing and make it more interesting. Whether you’re a student, a blogger, or a professional writer, these synonyms will help you avoid repetition and keep your readers engaged.

In this article, we’ll provide you with over 80 synonyms for “said” that you can use in your writing. Unlike other synonyms that reveal a speaker’s feelings, attitude, or intentions, “said” simply states factual information. Using different synonyms for “said” allows you to convey the tone and mood of the conversation or dialogue without explicitly stating it.

Said Synonyms

Said Definition

Said is a verb that means to express something in words, especially to express a thought or opinion. It is often used when quoting someone or writing dialogue.

For example:

• She said , “I’m tired of this argument.”
• “I don’t think that’s a good idea,” he said .

Said is a past tense verb, and it is used to indicate that something was spoken or written in the past. It is a common word that is used frequently in written and spoken language to indicate that someone has expressed a thought or idea.

Common Synonyms for Said

There are many words that can be used in place of “said” when quoting someone or writing dialogue:

• articulated

Which word you choose will depend on the context of the conversation and the tone of the speaker. Some words, like “replied” and “answered,” are more neutral and straightforward, while others, like “exclaimed” and “murmured,” convey more emotion or intensity.

List of Said Synonyms

There are many different words to use instead of “said” in English. Here are 88  English synonyms for said you can improve your vocabulary every day.

Commonly Used Synonyms for Said

As writers, we often use the word “said” to attribute dialogue to a character. However, using the same word repeatedly can become monotonous and dull. That’s where synonyms come in handy. Here are some commonly used synonyms for “said” that can help spice up your writing:

• Stated : This word can be used to indicate that the character is making a formal declaration or announcement.
• Declared : Similar to “stated,” this word is often used when a character is making a bold or forceful statement.
• Exclaimed : Use this word when a character is speaking loudly or with great emotion.
• Whispered : This word is used when a character is speaking softly or in a hushed tone.
• Muttered : Use this word when a character is speaking under their breath or in a grumbling manner.
• Sighed : This word is used to indicate that a character is speaking in a resigned or discouraged manner.
• Added : This word can be used to indicate that a character is contributing to a conversation or adding to a point that has already been made.

Synonyms for Said in Narrative Writing

Descriptive synonyms.

Descriptive synonyms are words that help convey the tone or emotion behind the dialogue. Here are some examples:

• Exclaimed : Used to show excitement or enthusiasm. Example: “I can’t believe it!” she exclaimed.
• Muttered : Used to show quiet or mumbled speech. Example: “I don’t know,” he muttered.
• Whispered : Used to show secretive or hushed speech. Example: “Meet me tonight,” she whispered.
• Boomed : Used to show loud or commanding speech. Example: “Stop right there!” he boomed.
• Sighed : Used to show disappointment or resignation. Example: “I guess we’ll have to try again,” she sighed.

Action-Based Synonyms

Action-based synonyms are words that help show how the dialogue is being said. Here are some examples:

• Screamed : Used to show loud and intense speech. Example: “Get out of here!” she screamed.
• Laughed : Used to show jovial or humorous speech. Example: “That’s hilarious!” he laughed.
• Snarled : Used to show angry or hostile speech. Example: “I don’t have time for this,” he snarled.
• Squeaked : Used to show high-pitched or nervous speech. Example: “I don’t know,” she squeaked.
• Stammered : Used to show hesitant or stuttering speech. Example: “I-I don’t know what to say,” he stammered.

Synonyms for Said in Dialogue

In writing dialogue, it’s important to use dialogue tags to indicate who is speaking. While “said” is a common tag, using it repeatedly can become monotonous. That’s why it’s important to have a variety of synonyms for “said” to keep your dialogue interesting and engaging.

Here are some synonyms for “said” that you can use in your writing:

• Exclaimed:  Used to indicate a sudden or strong emotion, such as surprise or excitement. Example: “I can’t believe we won!” she exclaimed.
• Whispered:  Used to indicate a soft or secretive tone. Example: “Don’t tell anyone,” he whispered.
• Muttered:  Used to indicate a low or indistinct tone. Example: “I can’t hear you,” she muttered.
• Sighed:  Used to indicate a resigned or disappointed tone. Example: “I guess we’ll have to try again next time,” he sighed.
• Boasted:  Used to indicate a proud or arrogant tone. Example: “I knew I could do it,” she boasted.
• Inquired:  Used to indicate a questioning or curious tone. Example: “What do you mean?” he inquired.

There are many more synonyms for “said” that you can use in your writing. Just remember to use them sparingly and only when they add value to the dialogue.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some synonyms for ‘said’?

There are many synonyms for ‘said’, such as ‘stated’, ‘uttered’, ‘expressed’, ‘voiced’, ‘pronounced’, ‘declared’, ‘announced’, ‘remarked’, ‘noted’, ‘commented’, ‘observed’, ‘mentioned’, ‘reported’, ‘disclosed’, ‘revealed’, ‘conveyed’, ‘imparted’, and ‘communicated’.

What are some alternative words for ‘said’?

Some alternative words for ‘said’ include ‘whispered’, ‘muttered’, ‘shouted’, ‘yelled’, ‘screamed’, ‘exclaimed’, ‘cried’, ‘chanted’, ‘recited’, ‘uttered’, ‘articulated’, ‘enunciated’, ‘vocalized’, ‘mouthed’, ‘spoke’, ‘talked’, ‘conversed’, and ‘chatted’.

Can you suggest some other phrases to use instead of ‘said’?

Yes, some other phrases to use instead of ‘said’ include ‘added’, ‘agreed’, ‘asserted’, ‘claimed’, ‘conceded’, ‘contended’, ‘denied’, ‘doubted’, ’emphasized’, ‘insisted’, ‘objected’, ‘pointed out’, ‘protested’, ‘questioned’, ‘replied’, ‘responded’, ‘retorted’, ‘suggested’, ‘warned’, and ‘acknowledged’.

What are some commonly used phrases to replace ‘said’?

Some commonly used phrases to replace ‘said’ include ‘according to’, ‘as stated by’, ‘as claimed by’, ‘as reported by’, ‘as mentioned by’, ‘as disclosed by’, ‘as revealed by’, ‘as conveyed by’, ‘as imparted by’, ‘as communicated by’, ‘as commented by’, ‘as observed by’, and ‘as noted by’.

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

Some words to use instead of ‘said’ include ‘affirmed’, ‘alleged’, ‘avowed’, ‘boasted’, ‘confessed’, ‘confirmed’, ‘declared’, ‘denounced’, ‘described’, ‘elaborated’, ‘explained’, ‘indicated’, ‘insinuated’, ‘intimated’, ‘maintained’, ‘noted’, ‘proclaimed’, ‘recounted’, ‘revealed’, ‘stated’, ‘testified’, and ‘voiced’.

What are some frequently used synonyms for ‘said’?

Some frequently used synonyms for ‘said’ include ‘told’, ‘mentioned’, ‘spoke’, ‘uttered’, ‘expressed’, ‘voiced’, ‘declared’, ‘announced’, ‘remarked’, ‘noted’, ‘commented’, and ‘observed’.

Last Updated on November 8, 2023

7 thoughts on “Another Word for SAID: 80+ Useful Said Synonyms to Improve Your Vocabulary”

Very useful and learned lots of “said is dead” words.

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Said – Synonyms

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The word “said” is used to express something in words or to assert something. It is in the past tense and past participle form of the verb “to say”.

Another word for “said” is pronounced or expressed. However, more synonyms will be listed in this article.

On our overview page for synonyms, you can find the best options of synonyms for a vast variety of words that are used in academic writing .

To the overview page for synonyms

Inhaltsverzeichnis

• 1 “Said” – General synonyms
• 2 “Said” – Synonyms used in academic writing

“Said” – General synonyms

The following illustrates other words for “said” that may be used in everyday conversation as well as in academic writing.

“Said” synonyms in the sense of aforementioned

Synonyms of the word “said” in the sense of the aforementioned are:

• Aforementioned

“Said” synonyms in the sense of told

Synonyms of the word “said” in the sense of told are:

• Annunciated
• Articulated
• Brought out

“Said” synonyms in the sense of assumed

Synonyms of the word “said” in the sense of assumed are:

“Said” – Synonyms used in academic writing

In an academic context, the word “said” is used to quote something from the past or a statement of a specific speaker. Therefore, more objective language should be used in an academic context.

However, more synonyms for “said” used in academic writing will be shown below.

Are you looking for suitable synonyms for “said” for your academic paper? Have a look at the table below with the top suggestions from our BachelorPrint-Team .

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Synonyms of essay

• as in article
• as in attempt
• as in to attempt
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Thesaurus Definition of essay

 (Entry 1 of 2)

Synonyms & Similar Words

• dissertation
• composition
• prolegomenon
• undertaking
• trial and error
• experimentation

Thesaurus Definition of essay  (Entry 2 of 2)

• have a go at
• try one's hand (at)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb essay differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of essay are attempt , endeavor , strive , and try . While all these words mean "to make an effort to accomplish an end," essay implies difficulty but also suggests tentative trying or experimenting.

When might attempt be a better fit than essay ?

While the synonyms attempt and essay are close in meaning, attempt stresses the initiation or beginning of an effort.

Where would endeavor be a reasonable alternative to essay ?

Although the words endeavor and essay have much in common, endeavor heightens the implications of exertion and difficulty.

When is strive a more appropriate choice than essay ?

While in some cases nearly identical to essay , strive implies great exertion against great difficulty and specifically suggests persistent effort.

How do try and attempt relate to one another, in the sense of essay ?

Try is often close to attempt but may stress effort or experiment made in the hope of testing or proving something.

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Cite this entry.

“Essay.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus , Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/essay. Accessed 26 Apr. 2024.

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12 Formal Synonyms for “With That Being Said”

In academic writing, introductory clauses like “with that being said” could be useful to introduce counterpoints. This article will explore synonyms you can use in formal writing that might help you to expand your vocabulary list.

The best formal synonyms for “with that being said” are “that being said,” “with that,” and “from that.” You might notice that the first two synonyms are shortened forms of “with that being said.” This is because they are more concise and work well in most formal papers.

1. That Being Said

“That being said” is a great alternative. You can remove “with” to keep the phrase more concise. It still shows that you are relating to a previous sentence without letting the previous clause affect the current one.

• We could have done something differently. That being said, the results have already been recorded. We can’t change them now.
• It would have been easier to try it a different way. That being said, we still learned a lot from trying to get this work done.
• I wanted to make that suggestion. That being said, I saw no reason to argue against the team. They knew what they were doing.

2. With That

“With that” is another shortened synonym showing that two sentences should not affect each other. You can remove “being said,” and the meaning will remain unchanged.

• I’m not sure about this. With that, I don’t want to make things difficult for you. I want you to feel comfortable with me.
• I’ll let you know how I feel later. With that, I will leave you. I don’t want you to worry about how I’m getting on.
• The experiment was a success. With that, it made things much easier to present to the professor. He was very pleased.

3. From That

“From” allows you to link the sentence back to the one that came before. “From that” is an alternative to “with that.” You can use “from that” when you want to conclude some information from the previous sentence.

• I knew that we could work something out. From that, we were able to conclude that the team clicked.
• I figured out the best thing to do in the situation. From that, it was clear what needed to come next to ensure that things went well.
• You can’t be the only person on the team. From that, you should try finding someone else who can jump in and help you.

“However” is one of the most common choices when trying to introduce a counterargument. You can start a new sentence with it when you do not believe the sentence links to the previous one. It’s especially effective if there is no direct overlap between your points.

• I tried to do it myself. However, it was clear early on that I needed someone else to assist me. I had to find a partner.
• The project went as well as expected. However, a few hiccups along the way couldn’t be avoided.
• I’m not sure how to handle this problem. However, I will give it my all to see what I can learn from the situation.

“Even so” is a great alternative that works in many situations. You can use it to show that you are not considering the previous sentence because of a new point you’d like to raise.

• I knew you were going to make this difficult for me. Even so, I trusted you with the information because I knew I could rely on you.
• The professor wanted us to get this done quickly. Even so, I did not want to rush it. I wanted to produce quality work.
• I’m not going to help you with that. Even so, I appreciate you coming to me to ask. I’ll let you know when you’ve got it right.

6. Nevertheless

“Nevertheless” means that you do not think the new information in your sentence should be affected by something from a previous one. It’s a great synonym to use when showing that two things should not overlap or affect each other.

• Some variables needed fixing. Nevertheless, the bulk of the project was successful, which is always positive.
• I thought about all of the options in great detail. Nevertheless, there only seemed to be one outcome that made sense.
• I’m not going to help you understand this. Nevertheless, I think we need to figure out the next best thing to do.

7. All Things Considered

“All things considered” is a good formal synonym that helps to weigh up your points. It shows that you are considering all the options and still coming to a conclusion that might not relate to them.

• I will let you know what I find out. All things considered, I think this is a very important thing to go through.
• You could have changed a few of those variables to fix it. All things considered, you tried your best and got a good result.
• Some errors in your exam could do with fixing. All things considered, I think you did the best you could at the time.

8. Despite That

“Despite that” is a great option to cancel the previous statement made. You can use it when you do not believe the previous sentence impacts the one you follow with. It’s a great way to introduce counterarguments.

• I needed to talk to you about what you said. Despite that, you still went ahead and did it. I’m not happy about that.
• I could have experimented more effectively. Despite that, I believe the result was still worth it.
• The team was not working to the best of its ability. Despite that, there was still an overwhelmingly positive response after.

9. All the Same

“All the same” is a good choice to show that a previous point doesn’t affect the new one. It’s a great way to let someone know that you still stand by an opposing view, even if you’ve introduced a contradicting one.

• I’m not going to help you with it. All the same, I believe you have the know-how to get this done on your own.
• We should talk about this later. All the same, I think you’ve hit the nail on the head. You should know that I agree with you.
• I found a discrepancy in the figures. All the same, there were some issues that they tried to hide that needed to be corrected.

10. Regardless

“Regardless” means that you are not considering the previous sentence. It’s a good way to continue or counter a point by overlooking the information you presented previously.

• I managed to find the correct route with little effort. Regardless, it made things much more difficult when I was so far ahead of everyone.
• You could have tried a different strategy to do this. Regardless, you still completed the task as I requested. Congratulations.
• We could have done this together. Regardless, you showed me that you were able to do it yourself. I’m proud of you.

“Yet” is a great synonym in most cases. It replaces “however” to show that you are introducing a different idea that does not coincide with the previous one you wrote about.

• I’m not going to tell you how to do it. Yet, I believe you could still learn a few things from me. It’s up to you, though.
• I have a few questions that need answers. Yet, it seems no one is willing to take the time to run me through what I’m asking.
• You could have told me sooner. Yet, you decided to keep it to yourself. That’s why things blew up the way they did.

12. Otherwise

“Otherwise” is a great choice in academic papers. It shows that two things are not connected or causally linked with each other. If you want to make a counter point in a following sentence, “otherwise” is always a good choice.

• I can’t tell you all of the information. Otherwise, you’ll start to question my intentions with all this.
• I’m not sure she has all the facts straight. Otherwise, she would have a better understanding of what to expect.
• They needed to spend more time sorting these things out. Otherwise, they did a pretty good job with limited equipment.

What Does “With That Being Said” Mean?

“With that being said” means you are trying to make a point from the previous topic of discussion. It gives you a chance to go into further detail or counter a point you previously made.

For example:

• I did not want to do it. With that being said, I knew I had to.

Here, you can use “with that being said” to counter your previous point to show that you made a decision that went against the previous sentence. As you can see, it is grammatically correct to start a sentence with “with that being said”

Is It Proper to Say “With That Being Said” in Academic Papers?

It is proper and correct to use “with that being said” in academic papers . It is not a rude phrase, meaning it works well when you’re looking for a formal alternative.

However, you might find that some readers think it’s redundant. You could easily use “with that” or “that being said” in place of “with that being said” to keep your writing more concise.

Martin holds a Master’s degree in Finance and International Business. He has six years of experience in professional communication with clients, executives, and colleagues. Furthermore, he has teaching experience from Aarhus University. Martin has been featured as an expert in communication and teaching on Forbes and Shopify. Read more about Martin here .

• Regardless of vs. Regardless if vs. Regardless of if
• “Despite” or “Despite Of” – Correct Version Revealed
• “Unless Otherwise Specified” or “Unless Specified Otherwise”?
• 9 Words To Use Instead Of “However” (With Examples)

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What caused Dubai floods? Experts cite climate change, not cloud seeding

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Mass graves in Gaza show victims’ hands were tied, says UN rights office

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Disturbing reports continue to emerge about mass graves in Gaza in which Palestinian victims were reportedly found stripped naked with their hands tied , prompting renewed concerns about possible war crimes amid ongoing Israeli airstrikes, the UN human rights office, OHCHR, said on Tuesday.

The development follows the recovery of hundreds of bodies “buried deep in the ground and covered with waste” over the weekend at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, central Gaza, and at Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City in the north. A total of 283 bodies were recovered at Nasser Hospital, of which 42 were identified. 

“ Among the deceased were allegedly older people, women and wounded, while others were found tied with their hands…tied and stripped of their clothes,” said Ravina Shamdasani, spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. 

Al-Shifa discovery

Citing the local health authorities in Gaza, Ms. Shamdasani added that more bodies had been found at Al-Shifa Hospital.

The large health complex was the enclave’s main tertiary facility before war erupted on 7 October. It was the focus of an Israeli military incursion to root out Hamas militants allegedly operating inside which ended at the beginning of this month. After two weeks of intense clashes, UN humanitarians assessed the site and  confirmed on 5 April that Al-Shifa was “an empty shell”, with most equipment reduced to ashes.

“Reports suggest that there were 30 Palestinian bodies buried in two graves in the courtyard of Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City; one in front of the emergency building and the others in front of the dialysis building,” Ms. Shamdasani told journalists in Geneva.

The bodies of 12 Palestinians have now been identified from these locations at Al-Shifa, the OHCHR spokesperson continued, but identification has not yet been possible for the remaining individuals. 

“There are reports that the hands of some of these bodies were also tied,” Ms. Shamdasani said, adding that there could be “many more” victims, “despite the claim by the Israeli Defense Forces to have killed 200 Palestinians during the Al-Shifa medical complex operation”.

200 days of horror

Some 200 days since intense Israeli bombardment began in response to Hamas-led terror attacks in southern Israel, UN human rights chief Volker Türk expressed his horror at the destruction of Nasser and Al-Shifa hospitals and the reported discovery of mass graves. 

UNHumanRights

“ The intentional killing of civilians, detainees and others who are hors de combat  is a war crime ,” Mr. Türk said in a call for independent investigations into the deaths.

Mounting toll

As of 22 April, more than 34,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza, including 14,685 children and 9,670 women, the High Commissioner’s office said, citing the enclave’s health authorities. Another 77,084 have been injured, and over 7,000 others are assumed to be under the rubble. 

“ Every 10 minutes a child is killed or wounded . They are protected under the laws of war, and yet they are ones who are disproportionately paying the ultimate price in this war,” said the High Commissioner. 

Türk warning

The UN rights chief also reiterated his warning against a full-scale Israeli incursion of Rafah , where an estimated 1.2 million Gazans “have been forcibly cornered”.

“The world’s leaders stand united on the imperative of protecting the civilian population trapped in Rafah,” the High Commissioner said in a statement, which also condemned Israeli strikes against Rafah in recent days that mainly killed women and children.

This included an attack on an apartment building in the Tal Al Sultan area on 19 April which killed nine Palestinians “including six children and two women”, along with a strike on As Shabora Camp in Rafah a day later that reportedly left four dead, including a girl and a pregnant woman.

“The latest images of a premature child taken from the womb of her dying mother, of the adjacent two houses where 15 children and five women were killed, this is beyond warfare ,” said Mr. Türk.

The High Commissioner decried the “unspeakable suffering” caused by months of warfare and appealed once again for “the resulting misery and destruction, starvation and disease and the risk of wider conflict” to end. 

Mr. Türk also reiterated his call for an immediate ceasefire, the release of all remaining hostages taken from Israel and those held in arbitrary detention and the unfettered flow of humanitarian aid.

Massive settler attacks in West Bank

Turning to the West Bank, the UN rights chief said that grave human rights violations had continued there “unabated”. 

This was despite international condemnation of “massive settler attacks” between 12 and 14 April “that had been facilitated by the Israeli Security Forces (ISF)”.

Settler violence has been organized “with the support, protection, and participation of the ISF” , Mr. Türk insisted, before describing a 50-hour long operation into Nur Shams refugee camp and Tulkarem city starting on 18 April.

“The ISF deployed ground troops, bulldozers and drones and sealed the camp. Fourteen Palestinians were killed, three of them children,” the UN rights chief said, noting that 10 ISF members had been injured.

In a statement, Mr. Türk also highlighted reports that several Palestinians had been unlawfully killed in the Nur Shams operation “and that the ISF used unarmed Palestinians to shield their forces from attack and killed others in apparent extrajudicial executions” . 

Dozens were reportedly detained and ill-treated while the ISF “inflicted unprecedented and apparently wanton destruction on the camp and its infrastructure”, the High Commissioner said.

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Uri Berliner, NPR editor who criticized the network of liberal bias, says he's resigning

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Edited By Anne Marie Lee

April 17, 2024 / 12:21 PM EDT / CBS News

Uri Berliner, a senior editor at National Public Radio who had been suspended from his job after claiming the network had "lost America's trust" by pushing progressive views while suppressing dissenting opinions, said he is resigning from the broadcaster.

"I am resigning from NPR, a great American institution where I have worked for 25 years," Berliner wrote in his resignation letter to NPR CEO Katherine Maher, and which he posted in part on X, the former Twitter. "I cannot work in a newsroom where I am disparaged by a new CEO whose divisive views confirm the very problems at NPR I cite in my Free Press essay."

My resignation letter to NPR CEO @krmaher pic.twitter.com/0hafVbcZAK — Uri Berliner (@uberliner) April 17, 2024

Berliner's resignation comes eight days after he published an  essay  in the Free Press that caused a firestorm of debate with his allegations that NPR was suppressing dissenting voices. In response to his critique, some conservatives, including former President Donald Trump, called on the government to "defund" the organization. 

Maher, who became NPR's CEO in March, wrote a staff memo a few days after publication of Berliner's essay addressing his criticisms of the organization's editorial process. Among Berliner's claims are that NPR is failing to consider other viewpoints and that it is fixated on diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.

"Questioning whether our people are serving our mission with integrity, based on little more than the recognition of their identity, is profoundly disrespectful, hurtful and demeaning," Maher wrote. 

Some of Berliner's NPR colleagues also took issue with the essay, with "Morning Edition" host Steve Inskeep  writing on his Substack  that the article was "filled with errors and omissions."

"The errors do make NPR look bad, because it's embarrassing that an NPR journalist would make so many," Inskeep wrote.

Berliner's suspension, which occurred Friday, was  reported  by NPR media correspondent David Folkenflik. NPR declined to comment to CBS News about Berliner's resignation. "NPR does not comment on individual personnel matters," a spokesperson said.

Aimee Picchi is the associate managing editor for CBS MoneyWatch, where she covers business and personal finance. She previously worked at Bloomberg News and has written for national news outlets including USA Today and Consumer Reports.

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Biden Administration Releases Revised Title IX Rules

The new regulations extended legal protections to L.G.B.T.Q. students and rolled back several policies set under the Trump administration.

By Zach Montague and Erica L. Green

Reporting from Washington

The Biden administration issued new rules on Friday cementing protections for L.G.B.T.Q. students under federal law and reversing a number of Trump-era policies that dictated how schools should respond to cases of alleged sexual misconduct in K-12 schools and college campuses.

The new rules, which take effect on Aug. 1, effectively broadened the scope of Title IX, the 1972 law prohibiting sex discrimination in educational programs that receive federal funding. They extend the law’s reach to prohibit discrimination and harassment based on sexual orientation and gender identity, and widen the range of sexual harassment complaints that schools will be responsible for investigating.

“These regulations make it crystal clear that everyone can access schools that are safe, welcoming and that respect their rights,” Miguel A. Cardona, the education secretary, said in a call with reporters.

The rules deliver on a key campaign promise for Mr. Biden, who declared he would put a “quick end” to the Trump-era Title IX rules and faced mounting pressure from Democrats and civil rights leaders to do so.

The release of the updated rules, after two delays, came as Mr. Biden is in the thick of his re-election bid and is trying to galvanize key electoral constituencies.

Through the new regulations, the administration moved to include students in its interpretation of Bostock v. Clayton County, the landmark 2020 Supreme Court case in which the court ruled that the Civil Rights Act of 1964 protects gay and transgender workers from workplace discrimination. The Trump administration held that transgender students were not protected under federal laws, including after the Bostock ruling .

In a statement, Betsy DeVos, who served as Mr. Trump’s education secretary, criticized what she called a “radical rewrite” of the law, asserting that it was an “endeavor born entirely of progressive politics, not sound policy.”

Ms. DeVos said the inclusion of transgender students in the law gutted decades of protections and opportunities for women. She added that the Biden administration also “seeks to U-turn to the bad old days where sexual misconduct was sent to campus kangaroo courts, not resolved in a way that actually sought justice.”

While the regulations released on Friday contained considerably stronger protections for L.G.B.T.Q. students, the administration steered clear of the lightning-rod issue of whether transgender students should be able to play on school sports teams corresponding to their gender identity.

The administration stressed that while, writ large, exclusion based on gender identity violated Title IX, the new regulations did not extend to single-sex living facilities or sports teams. The Education Department is pursuing a second rule dealing with sex-related eligibility for male and female sports teams. The rule-making process has drawn more than 150,000 comments.

Under the revisions announced on Friday, instances where transgender students are subjected to a “hostile environment” through bullying or harassment, or face unequal treatment and exclusion in programs or facilities based on their gender identity, could trigger an investigation by the department’s Office for Civil Rights.

Instances where students are repeatedly referred to by a name or pronoun other than one they have chosen could also be considered harassment on a case-by-case basis.

“This is a bold and important statement that transgender and nonbinary students belong, in their schools and in their communities,” said Olivia Hunt, the policy director for the National Center for Transgender Equality.

The regulations appeared certain to draw to legal challenges from conservative groups.

May Mailman, the director of the Independent Women’s Law Center, said in a statement that the group planned to sue the administration. She said it was clear that the statute barring discrimination on the basis of “sex” means “binary and biological.”

“The unlawful omnibus regulation reimagines Title IX to permit the invasion of women’s spaces and the reduction of women’s rights in the name of elevating protections for ‘gender identity,’ which is contrary to the text and purpose of Title IX,” she said.

The existing rules, which took effect under Mr. Trump in 2020, were the first time that sexual assault provisions were codified under Title IX. They bolstered due process rights of accused students, relieved schools of some legal liabilities and laid out rigid parameters for how schools should conduct impartial investigations.

They were a sharp departure from the Obama administration’s interpretation of the law, which came in the form of unenforceable guidance documents directing schools to ramp up investigations into sexual assault complaints under the threat of losing federal funding. Scores of students who had been accused of sexual assault went on to win court cases against their colleges for violating their due process rights under the guidelines.

The Biden administration’s rules struck a balance between the Obama and Trump administration’s goals. Taken together, the regulation largely provides more flexibility for how schools conduct investigations, which advocates and schools have long lobbied for.

Catherine E. Lhamon, the head of the department’s Office for Civil Rights who also held the job under President Barack Obama, called the new rules the “most comprehensive coverage under Title IX since the regulations were first promulgated in 1975.”

They replaced a narrower definition of sex-based harassment adopted under the Trump administration with one that would include a wider range of conduct. And they reversed a requirement that schools investigate only incidents alleged to have occurred on their campuses or in their programs.

Still, some key provisions in the Trump-era rules were preserved, including one allowing informal resolutions and another prohibiting penalties against students until after an investigation.

Among the most anticipated changes was the undoing of a provision that required in-person, or so-called live hearings, in which students accused of sexual misconduct, or their lawyers, could confront and question accusers in a courtroom-like setting.

The new rules allow in-person hearings, but do not mandate them. They also require a process through which a decision maker could assess a party or witness’s credibility, including posing questions from the opposing party.

“The new regulations put an end to unfair and traumatic grievance procedures that favor harassers,” Kel O’Hara, a senior attorney at Equal Rights Advocates. “No longer will student survivors be subjected to processes that prioritize the interests of their perpetrators over their own well being and safety.”

The new rules also allow room for schools to use a “preponderance of evidence” standard, a lower burden of proof than the DeVos-era rules encouraged, through which administrators need only to determine whether it was more likely than not that sexual misconduct had occurred.

The renewed push for that standard drew criticism from legal groups who said the rule stripped away hard-won protections against flawed findings.

“When you are dealing with accusations of really one of the most heinous crimes that a person can commit — sexual assault — it’s not enough to say, ‘50 percent and a feather,’ before you brand someone guilty of this repulsive crime,” said Will Creeley, the legal director of the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression.

The changes concluded a three-year process in which the department received 240,000 public comments. The rules also strengthen protections for pregnant students, requiring accommodations such as a bigger desk or ensuring access to elevators and prohibiting exclusion from activities based on additional needs.

Title IX was designed to end discrimination based on sex in educational programs or activities at all institutions receiving federal financial assistance, beginning with sports programs and other spaces previously dominated by male students.

The effects of the original law have been pronounced. Far beyond the impact on school programs like sports teams, many educators credit Title IX with setting the stage for academic parity today. Female college students routinely outnumber male students on campus and have become more likely than men of the same age to graduate with a four-year degree.

But since its inception, Title IX has also become a powerful vehicle through which past administrations have sought to steer schools to respond to the dynamic and diverse nature of schools and universities.

While civil rights groups were disappointed that some ambiguity remains for the L.G.B.T.Q. students and their families, the new rules were widely praised for taking a stand at a time when education debates are reminiscent to the backlash after the Supreme Court ordered schools to integrate.

More than 20 states have passed laws that broadly prohibit anyone assigned male at birth from playing on girls’ and women’s sports teams or participating in scholastic athletic programs, while 10 states have laws barring transgender people from using bathrooms based on their gender identity.

“Some adults are showing up and saying, ‘I’m going to make school harder for children,” said Liz King, senior program director of the education equity program at the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights. “It’s an incredibly important rule, at an incredibly important moment.”

Schools will have to cram over the summer to implement the rules, which will require a retraining staff and overhauling procedures they implemented only four years ago.

Ted Mitchell, the president of the American Council on Education, which represents more than 1,700 colleges and universities, said in a statement that while the group welcomed the changes in the new rule, the timeline “disregards the difficulties inherent in making these changes on our nation’s campuses in such a short period of time.”

“After years of constant churn in Title IX guidance and regulations,” Mr. Mitchell said, “we hope for the sake of students and institutions that there will be more stability and consistency in the requirements going forward.”

Zach Montague is based in Washington. He covers breaking news and developments around the district. More about Zach Montague

Erica L. Green is a White House correspondent, covering President Biden and his administration. More about Erica L. Green

Jesus laid down his life out of love for each person, pope says

Before reciting the "Regina Coeli" prayer, Pope Francis suggested people ask themselves why Jesus gave his life for them. The response, he said, must be that Jesus loves you.

Pope Francis waves at people gathered in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican April 21, 2024, for his recitation of the "Regina Coeli" prayer. (CNS photo/Vatican Media)

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- When Jesus called himself the "good shepherd," he was telling people not only that he was their guide, but that they were important to him and "that he thinks of each of us as the love of his life," Pope Francis said.

"Consider this: for Christ, I am important, he thinks of me, I am irreplaceable, worth the infinite price of his life," which he laid down for the salvation of all, the pope said April 21 before reciting the "Regina Coeli" prayer with visitors in St. Peter's Square.

Jesus was not just saying something nice, the pope said. Each believer should recognize that "he truly gave his life for me; he died and rose again for me. Why? Because he loves me, and he finds in me a beauty that I often do not see myself."

Many people think of themselves as inadequate or undeserving of love, he said. Or they believe their value comes from what they have or are able to do.

In the day's Gospel reading, Jn 10:11-18, "Jesus tells us that we are always infinitely worthy in his eyes," the pope said.

The pope asked people in the square to consider if they find or make the time each day "to embrace this assurance that gives value to my life" and "for a moment of prayer, of adoration, of praise, to be in the presence of Christ and to let myself be caressed by him."

That time in prayer, he said, will remind a person that "he gave his life for you, for me, for all of us. And that for him, we are all important, each and every one of us."

After reciting the "Regina Coeli," Pope Francis told the crowd that he continues to follow the tensions in Israel, Palestine and throughout the Middle East "with concern and also with grief."

"I renew my appeal not to give in to the logic of vengeance and war. May the paths of dialogue and diplomacy, which can do so much, prevail," he said. "I pray every day for peace in Palestine and Israel, and I hope that these two peoples may stop suffering soon."

He also asked Catholics to continue to pray for peace in Ukraine and for the people who are suffering because of the war.

CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

With its Rome bureau founded in 1950, Catholic News Service has been providing complete, in-depth coverage of the popes and the Vatican for more than 70 years.  CNS Rome continues to be your fair, faithful and informed connection to the Holy See.

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