words to describe speech in writing

60 Words To Describe Writing Or Speaking Styles

Writers Write creates and shares writing resources. In this post, we give you 60 words to describe writing or speaking styles .

What Is Your Writing Or Speaking Style?

“Style, in its broadest sense, is a specific way in which we create, perform, or do something. Style in literature is the way an author uses words to tell a story. It is a writer’s way of showing his or her personality on paper.

Just as a person putting together items of clothing and jewellery, and applying make-up creates a personal style, the way a person puts together word choice, sentence structure, and figurative language describes his or her literary style.

When combined, the choices they make work together to establish mood , images, and meaning. This has an effect on their audience.”

From  7 Choices That Affect A Writer’s Style

• articulate – able to express your thoughts, arguments, and ideas clearly and effectively; writing or speech is clear and easy to understand
• chatty – a chatty writing style is friendly and informal
• circuitous – taking a long time to say what you really mean when you are talking or writing about something
• clean – clean language or humour does not offend people, especially because it does not involve sex
• conversational – a conversational style of writing or speaking is informal, like a private conversation
• crisp – crisp speech or writing is clear and effective
• declamatory – expressing feelings or opinions with great force
• diffuse – using too many words and not easy to understand
• discursive – including information that is not relevant to the main subject
• economical – an economical way of speaking or writing does not use more words than are necessary
• elliptical – suggesting what you mean rather than saying or writing it clearly
• eloquent – expressing what you mean using clear and effective language
• emphatic – making your meaning very clear because you have very strong feelings about a situation or subject
• emphatically – very firmly and clearly
• epigrammatic – expressing something such as a feeling or idea in a short and clever or funny way
• epistolary – relating to the writing of letters
• euphemistic – euphemistic expressions are used for talking about unpleasant or embarrassing subjects without mentioning the things themselves
• flowery – flowery language or writing uses many complicated words that are intended to make it more attractive
• fluent – expressing yourself in a clear and confident way, without seeming to make an effort
• formal – correct or conservative in style, and suitable for official or serious situations or occasions
• gossipy – a gossipy letter is lively and full of news about the writer of the letter and about other people
• grandiloquent – expressed in extremely formal language in order to impress people, and often sounding silly because of this
• idiomatic – expressing things in a way that sounds natural
• inarticulate – not able to express clearly what you want to say; not spoken or pronounced clearly
• incoherent – unable to express yourself clearly
• informal – used about language or behaviour that is suitable for using with friends but not in formal situations
• journalistic – similar in style to journalism
• learned – a learned piece of writing shows great knowledge about a subject, especially an academic subject
• literary – involving books or the activity of writing, reading, or studying books; relating to the kind of words that are used only in stories or poems, and not in normal writing or speech
• lyric – using words to express feelings in the way that a song would
• lyrical – having the qualities of music
• ornate – using unusual words and complicated sentences
• orotund – containing extremely formal and complicated language intended to impress people
• parenthetical – not directly connected with what you are saying or writing
• pejorative – a pejorative word, phrase etc expresses criticism or a bad opinion of someone or something
• picturesque – picturesque language is unusual and interesting
• pithy – a pithy statement or piece of writing is short and very effective
• poetic – expressing ideas in a very sensitive way and with great beauty or imagination
• polemical – using or supported by strong arguments
• ponderous – ponderous writing or speech is serious and boring
• portentous – trying to seem very serious and important, in order to impress people
• prolix – using too many words and therefore boring
• punchy – a punchy piece of writing such as a speech, report, or slogan is one that has a strong effect because it uses clear simple language and not many words
• rambling – a rambling speech or piece of writing is long and confusing
• readable – writing that is readable is clear and able to be read
• rhetorical – relating to a style of speaking or writing that is effective or intended to influence people; written or spoken in a way that is impressive but is not honest
• rhetorically – in a way that expects or wants no answer; using or relating to rhetoric
• rough – a rough drawing or piece of writing is not completely finished
• roundly – in a strong and clear way
• sententious – expressing opinions about right and wrong behaviour in a way that is intended to impress people
• sesquipedalian – using a lot of long words that most people do not understand
• Shakespearean – using words in the way that is typical of Shakespeare’s writing
• stylistic – relating to ways of creating effects, especially in language and literature
• succinct – expressed in a very short but clear way
• turgid – using language in a way that is complicated and difficult to understand
• unprintable – used for describing writing or words that you think are offensive
• vague – someone who is vague does not clearly or fully explain something
• verbose – using more words than necessary, and therefore long and boring
• well-turned – a well-turned phrase is one that is expressed well
• wordy – using more words than are necessary, especially long or formal words

Source for Words:  Macmillan Dictionary

If you enjoyed this article, you may also enjoy

• The 4 Main Characters As Literary Devices
• 7 Choices That Affect A Writer’s Style
• 5 Incredibly Simple Ways To Help Writers Show And Not Tell
• Cheat Sheets for Writing Body Language
• Punctuation For Beginners
• If you want to learn how to write a book, sign up for our  online course .
• If you want to learn how to blog, sign up for the online course.
• Style , Writing Resource

4 thoughts on “60 Words To Describe Writing Or Speaking Styles”

useful thank you …

useful thank you.

Very informative. Taught me slot

Thanks a lot. Very useful.

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How to Describe Voices in Writing (300+ Words & Examples)

Describing voices accurately in writing can transform your story or screenplay, giving your characters depth and making them feel real to your readers.

Here is how to describe voices in writing:

Describe a voice in writing by identifying elements like tone, pace, timbre, volume, and accent. Use adjectives for depth or speed. Consider the voice’s emotional state, age, and physical circumstance. Create a better reading experience by differentiating the voices in your story.

In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about how to describe voices in writing.

How To Describe Voices in Writing (The Elements You Need To Know)

Table of Contents

To portray voices effectively in writing, it’s crucial to grasp the various elements that constitute a voice.

Let’s delve into some of these vital components:

The tone of a voice reveals the emotional undercurrents beneath the words spoken

It’s not just what the character says, but how they say it that provides context and clues to their emotional state.

Tone can encompass a wide range of emotions, from sarcasm and anger to affection and impatience.

For instance, a character’s voice can drip with venom in their anger, quaver in their anxiety, or soften in their affection.

Example: “ His tone dripped with scorn as he responded to her, his words carrying an edge sharper than a sword. “

Example: “ Her voice softened, the gentle lilt carrying a tender affection that warmed the room. “

The pace or speed of a character’s speech can reveal much about their personality, mood, and state of mind.

A character speaking at a fast pace might indicate excitement, anxiety, or impatience.

In contrast, a slow-speaking character might come across as more contemplative, calm, or possibly confused.

Example: “ His words tumbled out in a fast-paced torrent, echoing the racing thoughts within his mind. “

Example: “ She spoke slowly, her measured pace reflecting the weight of her words. “

Timbre is the unique quality or texture of a voice that differentiates it from others.

It adds color and depth, making a voice sound velvety, gravelly, husky, or raspy. Timbre can convey a voice’s warmth or harshness, and sometimes, it can even provide a physical feeling to the listener.

Example: “ His voice had a gravelly timbre, reminiscent of rocks grinding together. “

Example: “ Her voice was velvety, a soft timbre that felt like a warm blanket on a cold night. “

The volume at which a character speaks can provide insight into their emotional state, intentions, or personality traits.

A loud voice can indicate excitement, anger, or an attempt to dominate, while a soft voice might suggest shyness, secrecy, or gentleness.

Example: “ Her voice was a barely audible whisper, as if sharing a precious secret. “

Example: “ His voice thundered across the room, demanding attention from all. “

How To Describe Specific Types of Voices in Writing

In this section, we’ll cover how to describe many different types of voices in writing.

Sometimes you want to describe the voice of a man or woman or child. Other times, you might want to describe a deep, high-pitched, or melodious voice.

Keep reading to find out how (with examples).

How to Describe Male Voices in Writing

Male voices, typically lower in pitch, can be described with a variety of adjectives, such as deep, gravelly, husky, or rough.

Physical reactions can also enhance the description.

Example: “ His voice, like a bass drum, resonated in her chest, leaving her with a strange fluttering sensation. “

Example: “ The velvety texture of his voice was soothing, lulling her into a state of tranquillity. “

How to Describe Female Voices in Writing

Female voices often have a higher pitch and can be portrayed as soft, melodic, shrill, or husky. By integrating the character’s emotional state, you can add nuance to the voice description.

Example: “ Her voice was like a flute, high and melodious, filling the room with a lively cheer. “

Example: “ Her husky voice carried a distinct warmth, wrapping around him like a comforting embrace. “

How to Describe a Deep Voice in Writing

A deep voice can portray a range of characters and moods, from authoritative figures to comforting allies or menacing villains.

Deep voices can be described as resonant, rumbling, or sonorous.

Example: “ His deep voice rolled over her like a wave, carrying an authority that demanded respect. “

Example: “ His voice was a low rumble, like distant thunder, carrying an underlying threat. “

How to Describe a Fast Voice in Writing

A fast voice can suggest a range of emotions and personalities, from anxiety and excitement to impatience.

Descriptions can include words like rushed, hurried, or jabbering.

Example: “ His words were a rapid-fire barrage, revealing his barely controlled excitement. “

Example: “ She jabbered quickly, her words bouncing around the room in her nervousness. “

How to Describe a Loud Voice in Writing

A loud voice can portray dominance, excitement, or panic. It can be described as booming, deafening, or blaring.

Example: “ His booming voice echoed in the room, a loud proclamation of his dominance. “

Example: “ Her voice was a deafening roar, mirroring the chaos and panic she felt within. “

How to Describe a Soft Voice in Writing

A soft voice can indicate a variety of moods, including gentleness, fear, or mystery.

Descriptions can include words like hushed, whispering, or murmuring.

Example: “ His voice was a soft murmur, a soothing balm over her frayed nerves. “

Example: “ Her whispering voice held a note of mystery, a secret waiting to be unveiled. “

How to Describe a Singing Voice in Writing

A singing voice can encapsulate a range of emotions, from sheer joy to profound sorrow.

Descriptions can include words like harmonious, melodious, lilting, or crooning.

Example: “ His voice, a melodious baritone, wove a rich tapestry of sound, filling the air with a soulful melody. “

Example: “ Her lilting voice danced through the air, each note a joyous celebration of life. “

How to Describe a Crying Voice in Writing

A crying voice, often deeply emotional, can be portrayed as choked, sobbing, wailing, or whimpering.

Example: “ His voice came out in choked sobs, the pain apparent in each word. “

Example: “ Her whimpering voice was heart-rending, each cry echoing her despair. “

How to Describe a High-Pitched Voice in Writing

A high-pitched voice can contribute to various character portrayals, from bubbly and enthusiastic personalities to those filled with fear or anxiety.

This voice type can suggest youth, as younger individuals often have higher-pitched voices, or perhaps someone who is excited or scared.

Descriptions might include words like squeaky, shrill, or piercing.

Example: “ Her voice was a shrill siren, each word piercing the air like a needle. “

Example: “ His voice, high and squeaky, was filled with unabashed enthusiasm, like a child on Christmas morning. “

How to Describe a Nasal Voice in Writing

A nasal voice, where the sound seems to resonate from the nose rather than the mouth or throat, can be an interesting trait for a character.

This can be used to emphasize a character’s comical, annoying, or unique personality.

Descriptions might include words like twangy, whiny, or braying.

Example: “ His voice had a nasal twang, each word sounding like it was squeezed out of a tight space. “

Example: “ Her voice was a nasal whine, a sound that grated on their nerves. “

How to Describe a Raspy Voice in Writing

A raspy voice, rough and hoarse, can suggest a character’s age, health, or emotional state.

This type of voice can denote an old or weary individual, someone who’s been shouting or crying, or perhaps someone who’s ill.

It can be described as hoarse, gravelly, or scratchy.

Example: “ His voice was a gravelly rasp, a testament to the many years he’d weathered. “

Example: “ Her voice emerged as a hoarse whisper, the aftermath of hours spent in tearful conversation. “

How to Describe an Emotionless Voice in Writing

An emotionless or monotone voice can reveal a lot about a character’s mindset or state of being.

This can denote someone who’s indifferent, in shock, or emotionally withdrawn. It could also be a character who’s pragmatic or analytical in nature. Descriptions can include words like flat, lifeless, or monotonous.

Example: “ His voice was flat, void of any emotion that might betray his thoughts. “

Example: “ Her voice held a monotonous drone, a dull sound that mirrored her detached demeanor. “

How to Describe a Whispering Voice in Writing

A whispering voice is soft and hushed, often used when a character wants to convey a secret or speak without being overheard.

It can also be indicative of fear, romance, or intimacy.

Words to describe a whispering voice might include hushed, muted, or breathy.

Example: “ His voice was a hushed whisper in the dark, a gentle brush against her ear that sent shivers down her spine. “

Example: “ Her whispering voice was barely audible, carrying an air of secrecy that tingled his curiosity. “

How to Describe a Melodious Voice in Writing

A melodious voice often has a musical quality, whether the character is singing or speaking.

It’s the type of voice that’s pleasant to hear, often used to describe a character who is charming or soothing.

Descriptions might include words like musical, harmonious, or lyrical.

Example: “ Her voice was harmonious, each word a distinct note that composed a beautiful symphony. “

Example: “ His voice was a lyrical song, the soothing melody washing over her like a gentle tide. “

How to Describe a Bellowing Voice in Writing

A bellowing voice is loud and resonant, often used when a character is yelling or expressing strong emotions like anger or excitement.

It can also convey a sense of authority or power.

Words to describe a bellowing voice might include booming, roaring, or thunderous.

Example: “ His voice bellowed across the battlefield, a roaring command that rallied the troops. “

Example: “ Her voice boomed through the lecture hall, an authoritative echo that demanded attention. “

How to Describe a Child’s Voice in Writing

A child’s voice is typically high-pitched and clear, often reflecting innocence, excitement, or curiosity.

Depending on the child’s age, their voice might have a lisping or stammering quality.

Descriptions might include words like squeaky, clear, lisping, or stammering.

Example: “ His voice, high and clear, was filled with the infectious excitement that only a child could muster. “

Example: “ Her voice was a soft squeak, a lisping sound that underscored her tender years. “

How to Describe an Elderly Voice in Writing

An elderly voice can reflect the wisdom and experiences of a lifetime.

Depending on the character’s health and vitality, their voice might be strong and clear or frail and quavering. Descriptions might include words like quavering, frail, shaky, or wise.

Example: “ His voice was shaky, a fragile echo of the robust sound it once was. “

Example: “ Her voice held a wise and steady tone, the weight of years echoing in each word. “

How to Describe a Smooth Voice in Writing

A smooth voice often conveys a sense of calm, elegance, or seductiveness.

It can suggest a character who is self-assured, sophisticated, or soothing.

Descriptions might include words like velvety, silky, or soothing.

Example: “ His voice was velvety smooth, each word a gentle caress that soothed her worries. “

Example: “ Her silky voice flowed through the room, like a comforting balm over their tired souls. “

How to Describe a Strained Voice in Writing

A strained voice is often used when a character is under emotional or physical distress.

It can suggest pain, anxiety, or exertion. Descriptions might include words like tight, tense, or choked.

Example: “ His voice was tense, the strain betraying his efforts to maintain composure. “

Example: “ Her voice came out in a choked whisper, each word a battle against the tears welling up in her eyes. “

How to Describe a Crackling Voice in Writing

A crackling voice often indicates age, nervousness, or emotional instability.

This can be used to describe a character going through puberty, an elderly character, or a character in a highly emotional state.

Descriptions might include words like breaking, unsteady, or wavering.

Example: “ His voice was breaking, each word wavering as if treading on unstable ground. “

Example: “ Her voice crackled like dry leaves underfoot, the years etched into every syllable. “

How to Describe a Stern Voice in Writing

A stern voice usually conveys authority, seriousness, or disapproval.

This voice type could be used to describe a parent, a boss, or anyone in a position of power.

Descriptions might include words like harsh, firm, or forbidding.

Example: “ His voice was harsh, a stern command that left no room for argument. “

Example: “ Her firm voice echoed her resolve, a testament to her unyielding stance. “

How to Describe a Gentle Voice in Writing

A gentle voice often suggests kindness, warmth, or care.

It’s typically associated with characters who are compassionate, patient, or soothing. Descriptions might include words like soft, warm, or tender.

Example: “ His voice was soft, each word a gentle caress that calmed her restless heart. “

Example: “ Her voice held a tender warmth, a soothing melody that eased their worries. “

Descriptive Words for Voices in Writing

The table below includes 30 types of voices and a collection of unique descriptive words for each type.

I hope it provides a handy reference for writers seeking to add depth and nuance to their character portrayals.

Before you go, here is a good video about how to describe a person’s voice (with audio examples):

Tools to Describe Voices in Writing

Sometimes you want a little more help with describing voices (or anything else).

Here are some tools that I recommend:

Final Thoughts: How to Describe Voices in Writing

By learning to utilize a wide variety of voice descriptions in your writing, you can create a captivating soundscape that enriches your narrative and breathes life into your characters.

Your words can help your readers not only see your characters but also hear them, deepening their engagement with your story.

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• Conjunctions
• Prepositions

Speech Adjectives: Examples of Describing Words

Have you ever struggled to find the right words to describe someone’s speech? Whether you’re a writer, a public speaker, or just someone who appreciates the power of language, having a diverse vocabulary to describe speech can make all the difference. In this article, I’ll be sharing a comprehensive list of adjectives that you can use to describe different types of speech, along with examples to help you understand how to use them effectively.

From passionate and persuasive to hesitant and monotonous, the way we speak can convey a wide range of emotions and characteristics. By using descriptive adjectives, you can paint a vivid picture of someone’s speech, capturing its nuances and impact. Whether you’re looking to add depth to your writing or simply want to be more articulate in your conversations, these adjectives will prove to be invaluable tools in your linguistic arsenal.

So, if you’re ready to elevate your descriptive skills and bring your descriptions of speech to life, let’s dive into the world of adjectives for speech and explore the various ways we can capture the essence of communication.

Table of Contents

How to Describe speech? – Different Scenarios

Describing speech is an important skill that allows us to effectively convey the nuances and impact of someone’s words. By using descriptive adjectives, we can paint a vivid picture of how someone speaks in various scenarios. Let’s explore different scenarios and the adjectives that can be used to describe speech in each context:

• Casual Conversations:
• Formal Presentations:
• Emotional Discussions:
• Intellectual Debates:
• Inspirational Speeches:

Remember, the key to effectively describing speech is to choose adjectives that accurately capture the tone, mood, and impact of the words being spoken. By utilizing a diverse vocabulary, we can enhance our writing and communication skills, allowing us to paint a more vibrant picture for our readers or listeners.

So, whether you’re describing a casual conversation, a formal presentation, an emotional discussion, an intellectual debate, or an inspirational speech, having a variety of adjectives at your disposal will help you convey the essence of someone’s speech more vividly.

Describing Words for speech in English

As a language expert, I believe that having a diverse vocabulary is crucial when it comes to describing speech. It enables us to capture the nuances, tone, and impact of the words being spoken. Whether it’s casual conversations, formal presentations, emotional discussions, intellectual debates, or inspirational speeches, using the right adjectives can enhance our ability to effectively convey someone’s speech.

Adjectives for speech

Speech is a powerful and versatile tool for communication. The choice of words and the tone we use can greatly impact how our message is received. As a writer and communicator, I understand the importance of using descriptive adjectives to accurately portray speech in various situations. In this section, I will explore positive and negative adjectives that are commonly used to describe speech, along with example sentences.

Positive Adjectives for Speech

When it comes to describing speech in a positive light, we have a range of adjectives that can be used. These adjectives not only highlight the speaker’s effectiveness but also convey a sense of enthusiasm, passion, and confidence. Here are some examples:

Negative Adjectives for Speech

In some situations, it may be necessary to describe speech in a negative light. These adjectives help to convey a sense of disappointment, lack of clarity, or even deception in someone’s speech. Here are some examples:

By using these descriptive adjectives, we can paint a more vivid and accurate picture of someone’s speech. Whether it is to highlight the effectiveness and impact of a positive speech or to highlight the weaknesses in a negative one, descriptive adjectives allow us to capture the nuances of communication more effectively.

Synonyms and Antonyms with Example Sentences

Synonyms for speech.

When it comes to describing speech, there are several synonyms that can be used to add variety and depth to our language. Here are some synonyms for “speech” along with example sentences:

By using these synonyms, we can make our descriptions more interesting and engaging, capturing the different ways people communicate their ideas.

Antonyms for speech

On the other hand, we may also want to describe speech using antonyms, which provide a contrast to the positive aspects. Here are some antonyms for “speech” along with example sentences:

Including these antonyms in our descriptions adds depth and realism to the portrayal of speech, allowing us to capture the nuances of communication more effectively.

In this article, we’ve explored the power of adjectives in describing speech and how they can enhance our language. By using synonyms and antonyms, we can bring variety and depth to our descriptions, making them more engaging and captivating for our readers.

Through the examples provided, we have seen how different adjectives can be used to portray speech in unique and nuanced ways. By incorporating these adjectives into our writing, we can effectively capture the different ways people communicate their ideas, adding realism and depth to our descriptions.

Using synonyms and antonyms for the word “speech” allows us to paint a more vivid picture of how individuals express themselves, creating a more immersive experience for our readers. It enables us to go beyond the mundane and explore the intricacies of communication.

So, the next time you’re describing speech, remember to leverage the power of adjectives. Use them wisely to bring your descriptions to life and make your writing more dynamic and engaging. Let your words paint a vivid picture of the diverse ways people communicate their thoughts and ideas.

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20+ Best Words to Describe Speech, Adjectives for Speech

Speech, a fundamental aspect of human communication, is the means by which we express our thoughts and ideas using spoken words. It encompasses the ability to articulate sounds and convey meaning, enabling us to connect, inform, and persuade. When it comes to describing speech, a diverse range of words exists to capture its nuances. These words go beyond mere volume or clarity; they encompass the tone, delivery, and impact of spoken language. From eloquent and persuasive to hesitant and mumbled, the words we use to describe speech offer a rich tapestry of descriptors that convey the essence of our spoken expressions.

Table of Contents

Adjectives for Speech

Here are the 20 Most Popular adjectives for speech:

• Captivating
• Thought-provoking

 Adjectives for Speech Delivery:

• Enthusiastic

Adjectives for Speech Performance:

• Charismatic

Adjectives for Speech Therapy:

• Individualized
• Progressive
• Transformative
• Specialized
• Collaborative
• Compassionate
• Therapeutic

Adjectives for Powerful Speech:

• Influential
• Motivational

Words to Describe Speech with Meanings

• Authentic : Genuine and true to oneself.
• Captivating : Fascinating and holding attention.
• Clear : Easily understood and unambiguous.
• Compelling : Convincing and captivatingly persuasive.
• Confident : Self-assured and assured in delivery.
• Convincing : Persuasive and compellingly effective.
• Dynamic : Energetic and characterized by change.
• Eloquent : Expressive and fluent in speech.
• Engaging : Charming and attracting interest.
• Expressive : Demonstrating one’s thoughts and feelings.
• Fluent : Smooth and flowing in delivery.
• Impactful : Producing a strong impression or effect.
• Inspiring : Motivating and stimulating enthusiasm.
• Memorable : Unforgettable and easily recalled.
• Persuasive : Convincing and influential in the argument.
• Powerful : Having great force or impact.
• Profound : Deeply meaningful and thought-provoking.
• Resonant : Evoking strong emotions or memories.
• Stirring : Emotionally moving and inspiring action.
• Thought-provoking : Stimulating thinking and contemplation.

Example Sentences for Speech Adjectives

• Her authentic speech resonated with the audience.
• The speaker’s captivating delivery held everyone’s attention.
• Please keep your instructions clear and concise.
• The documentary presented a compelling argument.
• He delivered a confident speech at the conference.
• The lawyer’s convincing closing statement swayed the jury.
• The dynamic speaker energized the crowd with his words.
• Her eloquent speech moved the audience to tears.
• The teacher’s engaging lecture kept the students interested.
• His expressive speech conveyed deep emotions.
• The politician spoke fluently and confidently.
• The movie’s impactful message left a lasting impression.
• The motivational speaker delivered an inspiring address.
• The commencement speech was memorable and uplifting.
• The lawyer presented a persuasive case to the jury.
• His powerful speech stirred up strong emotions.
• The philosopher’s words had a profound effect on me.
• The music evoked a resonant emotional response from listeners.
• Her stirring speech motivated people to take action.
• The artist’s installation was thought-provoking and introspective.

Explore More Words:

Words to Describe Important

Adjectives for Sea

Words to Describe a Personality

How to describe speech in writing?

In writing, speech can be described using adjectives that capture its qualities such as clarity, persuasiveness, eloquence, or impact. By choosing descriptive words and phrases, one can effectively convey the tone, delivery, and power of the spoken words.

How do you describe a good speech?

A good speech can be described as engaging, well-structured, and impactful. It captivates the audience, effectively communicates the intended message, and leaves a lasting impression. A good speech demonstrates confidence, clarity, and the ability to connect with listeners.

How do you say excellent speech?

An excellent speech can be described using words such as outstanding, remarkable, exceptional, or superb. It reflects mastery in delivery, content, and the ability to captivate and inspire the audience. An excellent speech leaves a profound impact and is often remembered for its brilliance.

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About the author.

Hi, I'm USMI, engdic.org's Author & Lifestyle Linguist. My decade-long journey in language and lifestyle curation fuels my passion for weaving words into everyday life. Join me in exploring the dynamic interplay between English and our diverse lifestyles. Dive into my latest insights, where language enriches every aspect of living.

KathySteinemann.com: Free Resources for Writers and Poets

Word lists, cheat sheets, and sometimes irreverent reviews of writing rules. kathy steinemann is the author of the writer's lexicon series..

250+ Ways to Describe Voices: A Word List for Writers

(Discover even more words in The Writer’s Body Lexicon .)

Your protagonist’s voice will evoke varied reactions. As a writer, your job is to make readers hear what you want them to hear.

In context, dulcet tones could imply a beautiful woman. Abrasive barks might work for an impatient CEO. Singsong droning would be appropriate for many teachers.

Let’s Review What a Few Other Authors Have Written for Voice Comparisons

“A hoarse bass voice like an echo in an empty house.” ~ Amos Oz

“A voice as hard as the blade of a shovel.” ~ Raymond Chandler

“A voice like a broken phonograph.” ~ Anonymous

“A voice like a strained foghorn.” ~ W. W. Jacobs

“A voice like the cry of an expiring mouse …” ~ Arthur C. Benson

“A voice like the whistle of birds.” ~ Arabian Nights

“Brittle as the first ice of autumn.” ~ Michael Gilbert

“Delicate voices, like silver bells.” ~ Nikolai V. Gogol

“For thy voice like an echo from Fairyland seems.” ~ Anonymous

“Gruff voice, like the creaking of the gallows-chain.” ~ R. D. Blackmore

“Her voice … creaked like the hinges of a rusty iron gate.” ~ Stefan Zweig

“Her voice is like the evening thrush.” ~ Robert Burns

“Her voice is like the harmony of angels.” ~ Beaumont and Fletcher

“Her voice was like a bagpipe suffering from tonsillitis.” ~ Anonymous

“His voice is like the rising storm.” ~ Lord Byron

“Like melting honey.” ~ Jimmy Sangster

“Liquid voice resounded like the prelude of a flute.” ~ Gabriel D’Annunzio

“No more inflection than a traffic light.” ~ John Updike

“Voice flat and hard as a stove lid.” ~ James Crumley

“Voice like a chair scraping across a tiled floor.” ~ Roderic Jeffries

“Voice like a coyote with bronchitis.” ~ O. Henry

“Voice like dark brown velvet.” ~ Josephine Tey

“Voice like dish-water gurgling through a sink.” ~ Octave Mirbeau

“Voice like down feathers.” ~ William Diehl

“Voice like the music of rills.” ~ William Cullen Bryant

“Voice soft and cool as a prison yard.” ~ Joseph Wambaugh

“Voice was like hollow wind in a cave.” ~ Ossian

“Voice, as pure and sweet as if from heaven.” ~ Aubrey De Vere

“Voice, cruel as a new knife.” ~ George Garrett

“Voice, low as the summer music of a brook.” ~ T. Buchanan Read

“Voices as soft and murmurous as wings.” ~ George Garrett

What Other Comparisons Could You Use?

Pleasant baby’s giggle bubbling porridge cascading waterfall contented kitten cooing dove chirruping nightingale church choir finely tuned guitar gently lapping waves lilting xylophone lover’s kiss mother’s murmur pattering rain purring engine sweet cello symphony of crickets tinkling glass twittering canary whispering meadow wind chimes

Unpleasant alarm clock ambulance siren backfiring jalopy belching bully car alarm cat fight clucking hen coughing cat cracking knuckles dentist’s drill discordant violin explosive vomit freeway pileup grating manhole cover grizzly bear insistent jackhammer mewling cat microphone feedback pregnant frog simmering sewer snuffling sow squawking crow squeaky wheel squealing brakes thick phlegm violent windstorm whistling teakettle woofing seal

Tip: Listen to the sounds around you, including those on TV, podcasts, and online recordings. Make a list of agreeable and disagreeable sounds. Then incorporate them in your next writing project.

No Need to Always Use Like for Comparisons

Many of the words from 150+ Ways to Say “Look Like” or “Seem Like” could be used to create direct comparisons.

A music teacher might create an analogy based on a musical instrument: “Her shrill voice embodied every discordant violin I had ever heard.”

A lover would hear only the best from his sweetheart: “Her voice resonated: a cooing dove amidst a symphony of crickets.”

However, after an angry breakup, his attitude might change: “Her hen-clucking pecked apart everything I did.”

Be bold. Experiment. Unusual comparisons will produce the most memorable moments in your writing.

While you create, remember that what seems pleasant to one person could be disagreeable to someone else. Provide context that illustrates your intent.

Watch point of view. Your protagonist could label another person’s voice as sweet but would be unlikely to use the same adjective for self-description.

More Than 250 Adjectives to Describe Voices

Some of the following words tell rather than show.

For instance, describing a voice as mocking tells in one word what might be better shown with dialogue and body language: “You’re no better at darts than your puny brother,” Jim said, eyebrows raised. “My kid sister could beat you with her eyes closed.”

A abrasive, accusatory, acerbic, acidic, acrimonious, adenoidal, alto, animated, appealing, astringent, authoritative

B barbed, baritone, barking, bass, big, biting, bitter, bland, bleak, blunt, bombastic, booming, bored, boyish, brash, braying, breathy, breezy, bright, brisk, brittle, broken, bubbly, burbling

C to E calm, caustic, cheerful, cold, colorless, contralto, countertenor, crisp, critical, croaky, cutting, dead, demanding, disembodied, disinterested, dispassionate, droning, dulcet, dull, effervescent, energetic

F and G faint, fawning, feathery, feeble, fierce, firm, flat, forceful, fretful, fruity, gentle, girlish, glum, goofy, gracious, grating, grave, gravelly, grim, growling, gruff, guttural

H to J hard, harsh, hearty, hesitant, high-pitched, hissing, hoarse, honeyed, hostile, hushed, husky, immense, impartial, indifferent, indistinct, ingratiating, insinuating, intense, ironic, jeering, joking, jubilant

L and M lifeless, light, lilting, lively, loud, loving , low, malicious, matter-of-fact, mellifluous, melodious, mezzo-soprano, mild, mocking, modulated, monotone, monotonous, mournful, muffled, musical, muted

N to Q nasal, nasty, neutral, nonchalant, obsequious, oily, orotund, passionate, penetrating, piercing, piping, placating, plummy, polished, pretentious, quavering, querulous, quiet

R ragged, raspy/rasping, raucous, raw, razor-edged, reedy, refined, relaxed, resonant, restrained, ringing, roaring, robust, rough, rumbling

Sa to Sn saccharine, sad , sarcastic, sardonic, savage, scathing, scornful, scratchy, screeching, searing, serene, severe, shaky, sharp, shrieking, shrill, sibilant, silken, silly, silvery, sincere, singsong, sleek, slippery, sluggish, slurred/slurring, sly, small, smarmy, smoky, smooth, snide

So to Sy soft, somber, sonorous, soothing, sophisticated, soprano, sotto-voce, sour, squeaky, squealing, staccato, stark, steely, stentorian, stern, stiff, stilted, stinging, stony, strained, strangled, strident, strong, suave, subdued, submissive, subservient, sugary, suggestive, surly, sweet, sympathetic

T and U tart, taut, teasing, tender, tenor, tense, thick, thin, throaty, thunderous, tight, toneless, trembling, tremulous, trilling, unctuous, unsteady, unsympathetic

V to W vague, velvet/velvety, venomous, vicious, virulent, vitriolic, warm, wavering, weak, weary, wheezy, whiny/whining, whispering, wistful, wobbly, wooden

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9 thoughts on “ 250+ Ways to Describe Voices: A Word List for Writers ”

Very interesting. A good way to overcome w. Block!

Thanks, Pat.

May 2023 turn out to be your best writing year ever.

Is this list of words in one of your lexicon books?

It’ll be in The Writer’s Body Lexicon , which won’t be published for a few months. The chapter in the book will contain even more options.

This table of contents shows what is available in both volumes of The Writer’s Lexicon .

Hi Kathy! I bought both your books, but I don’t see the list for voices (the list that is here). Can you tell me which page it’s on? Thank you!

Lynne, I just emailed you.

I’m sorry, Kathy! My eyes skimmed over the word Body in the title. I now see you have a new book coming out soon. Very exciting! I will definitely buy a copy when it comes out. Thank you!

Hi: Thank you for sharing this blog. I know so many times I find myself using the same descriptive words such as low, soft, angry and after a while, all the characters seem to be coming out the same. This list is most helpful as a creative, brainstorming part for me to use not only on the first write but the revisions as well. Also, thank you for taking the time to research and list the various authors and their descriptive terms. Again, thanks for sharing this great information.

Thanks for stopping by, Janice! Do you have any words you’d like me to research?

Ways To Describe A Voice: Similies & Adjectives You Can Use

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In the symphony of human interaction, voices play an essential role. When a character speaks in a story, their voice is more than just words. It’s a melody of personality, history, and emotion. It hints at their past, their dreams, and their secrets.

As writers, it’s our responsibility to capture the nuances of these voices. But how do we effectively convey the subtleties of a voice in writing, especially its tone? Let’s dive in and explore the art of describing voices, focusing on the tone of voice in written narratives.

How Do You Describe Tone of Voice in Writing?

• Understanding Tone: At its core, tone of voice conveys an emotion or attitude. It’s the difference between saying, “I can’t believe you did that!” in anger, amazement, or joy. As a writer, it’s crucial to determine the emotional state or attitude of a character when they speak.
• Use Descriptive Adjectives: The quickest way to convey tone is through adjectives. Words like ‘shrill’, ‘melodious’, ‘gruff’, or ‘whispery’ immediately give the reader a sense of the voice’s quality. Think of how the voice feels in the ear – is it rough like sandpaper, or smooth like velvet?
• Rely on Context: Often, the situation or setting can help convey the tone. A dialogue set at a funeral will likely have a different tone than one at a birthday party. Moreover, a character’s past experiences, relationships, and current emotions can all inform their tone of voice.
• Use Action and Body Language: Sometimes, what a character does while speaking can highlight their tone. A character who’s pacing and wringing their hands while talking likely has a different tone than someone lounging lazily in a hammock.
• Dialogue Tags Are Your Friends: Instead of the plain ‘said’, try tags like ‘whispered’, ‘shouted’, ‘murmured’, or ‘hissed’. But use them judiciously – overdoing it can feel forced.
• Internal Monologue and Reflection: By diving into a character’s thoughts, you can often clarify the tone. For example: She said, “It’s lovely.” But in her mind, it was anything but lovely.

Feedback from Other Characters: How other characters react to what someone says can provide additional insight. If one character makes a statement and another wince, the reader gets a cue about the tone. Practice Listening: As a writer, becoming an active listener in real life can help. Pay attention to people’s tones in different situations. How do they vary? What emotions do they convey? This real-world insight can enrich your writing immensely.

Capturing the tone of voice in writing is both an art and a science. While the above tips provide a framework, the real magic happens when you combine them with your unique voice and observations. With practice and keen attention, you can master the art of conveying the melodies and nuances of spoken words on paper.

How to Describe Voice in Writing Using Adjectives and Similes

When we read a well-written narrative, the voices of the characters should be almost audible in our minds. This auditory illusion is crafted skillfully using language. Two potent tools in a writer’s arsenal for this task are adjectives and similes. Here’s how you can use them to describe voices in writing:

Using Adjectives

Texture and quality:.

• Raspy: A voice that has a rough, grating quality.
• Silken: A smooth and soft voice, often pleasant to hear.
• Melodious: A voice that has a musical or tuneful quality.
• Husky: A slightly rough sound, often considered attractive or intimate.
• Nasal: A voice that resonates through the nose.

Volume and Pitch:

• Shrill: A voice that is high-pitched, sometimes unpleasantly so.
• Sonorous: A voice that is deep, loud, and resonant.
• Sibilant: Hissing sounds, especially on the “s” sound.
• Whispery: Soft and hushed, like someone is whispering.

Emotion and Intent:

• Cheerful: A voice that sounds happy and light.
• Sombre: Serious, grave, and filled with gravity.
• Wistful: Full of longing or unfulfilled desire.
• Sardonic: Disdainfully or skeptically humorous.

Using Simile

Similes compare two unlike things using ‘like’ or ‘as’, making the description vivid and relatable.

• Her voice was raspy, like leaves scraping against each other.
• His voice was as smooth as aged whiskey.
• Her shrill voice pierced the air like a siren.
• His words boomed, as deep and resonant as a church bell.
• Her voice held a cheerfulness like sunlit meadows in spring.
• His voice was sombre as if echoing through a long, empty corridor.

Tips for Effective Description:

• Less is More: Don’t overdo it. One well-placed adjective or simile can be more effective than a flurry of descriptors.
• Avoid Clichés: While it’s okay to use familiar similes, strive for unique comparisons that will surprise and delight your reader.
• Ensure Context Matches: Ensure the situation or emotion in your story matches the description. A ‘silken’ voice might not fit in a stressful confrontation, just as a ‘raspy’ voice might feel out of place in a romantic serenade.
• Mix and Match: Don’t stick to only adjectives or only similes. Combining them can give depth and layers to your voice descriptions.

Expert Tip: Describing a voice effectively can transport your reader into the heart of the scene, making characters and their interactions come alive. With the strategic use of adjectives and similes, your narratives can sing with the authentic sound of genuine voices.

Analyzing a Voice in Literature

Voice in literature refers to the distinct style, tone, and character that’s present in an author’s writing or the unique attributes given to a narrative persona. Analyzing it is akin to recognizing the unique cadence, pitch, and timbre of a person’s spoken voice. Here’s a guide to analyzing voice in literature:

• Identify the Speaker: Is the voice that of the author? Or is it a character’s? Or perhaps an omniscient narrator;’? Understanding the source is the first step.
• Determine the Tone: Is the voice serious, humorous, sarcastic, melancholic, joyful, or introspective? Tone can offer clues about the writer’s attitude toward their subject or audience.
• Understand the Diction: Examine the choice of words. Are they formal, colloquial, archaic, jargon-filled, or poetic? This can give insight into the education, background, or mindset of the voice.
• Assess the Structure and Syntax: Are the sentences short and choppy or long and flowing? The pacing and rhythm can reveal a lot about the voice’s mood and intent.
• Examine the Perspective: Is it written in first-person, second-person, or third-person perspective? This can influence how intimate or detached the voice feels.
• Look for Recurring Themes or Motifs: These can provide insights into the core concerns, obsessions, or values of the voice.
• Consider the Overall Purpose: What is the voice trying to achieve? Inform, persuade, entertain, or perhaps confront?

Example of a Strong Voice in Writing

One of the most distinctive voices in literature belongs to Mark Twain , particularly in “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.” Twain’s voice, channeled through the young Huck, is colloquial, witty, and observant. Here’s an excerpt:

“You don’t know about me without you have read a book by the name of The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, but that ain’t no matter. That book was written by Mr. Mark Twain, and he told the truth, mainly. There were things which he stretched, but mainly he told the truth.”

In this short passage, you can immediately sense Huck’s candid, youthful perspective. The language is informal and direct, and there’s a humorous undertone in his admission that Twain “stretched” the truth. It showcases Huck’s voice as authentic, skeptical, and refreshingly honest.

Analyzing voice requires keen observation and an understanding of various literary elements. A strong voice, like Twain’s, remains memorable and provides the narrative with authenticity, color, and depth.

How do you describe a voice in a poem?

Describing a voice in a poem is a delicate task, weaving emotion and imagery into the fabric of the narrative. Because poems often work within a limited scope, each word carries weight. Here’s how you can describe a voice in a poem:

• Sensory Imagery: Use sensory details that evoke auditory images. Think of sounds in nature, like rustling leaves for a soft voice or booming thunder for a strong voice. Example: “Her voice, a whispering breeze, grazed my ears.”
• Emotion and Mood: Express the emotion that the voice carries or instills in the listener. This can reflect sadness, joy, anger, or any other emotion. Example: “His voice, a mournful lullaby, sang tales of forgotten yesterdays.”
• Metaphors and Similes: Compare the voice to something relatable, giving readers a vivid image or sensation. Example: “Her voice was like molten chocolate, smooth and rich.”
• Texture and Tone: Use adjectives that express the texture (rough, smooth, raspy) or the tone (warm, cold, distant) of the voice. Example: “The gritty gravel of his voice echoed pain from years past.”
• Rhythm and Musicality: Consider the rhythm or musical quality of the voice. Is it staccato, melodic, monotone, or rhythmic? Example: “In rhythmic cadence, her voice danced, a melody of hope in the dark.”
• Volume and Pitch: Describe whether the voice is loud, soft, shrill, deep, etc. Example: “In hushed tones, lower than the evening’s shadow, he confessed his dreams.”
• Personification: Grant the voice human-like characteristics or behaviors to enhance its essence. Example: “The voice, weary and aged, tiptoed through the corridors of memory.”
• Physical Reaction: Describe the impact of the voice on the listener or the environment. Example: “With every word, her voice painted the room in shades of golden joy.”

Expert Tip: Incorporate these techniques based on the mood and theme of your poem. The ultimate goal is to evoke a strong auditory image in the reader’s mind, allowing them to “hear” the voice as they navigate the verses of your poem.

Literary Description of a Voice

In literature, the voice can refer to two main concepts:

• Authorial Voice: This is the distinct style or manner in which an author expresses themselves in writing. It’s a combination of the author’s tone, mood, diction, syntax, and overall writing style. It’s what makes one writer’s work distinguishable from another’s.
• Narrative Voice: This pertains to the persona, tone, and style used by a writer to convey a story. It’s the perspective from which the events are told, which might be a character within the story (first-person) or an external, omniscient narrator, among other possibilities.

Descriptors of Vocal Quality

When describing the actual sound of a voice in literary works, writers use various descriptors to convey vocal quality. Here are some of the most common ones:

Texture/Timbre:

● Raspy: Rough or scratchy, like sandpaper. ● Smooth: Without any noticeable bumps or interruptions; pleasing to hear. ● Husky: Deep and slightly rough, often in an attractive way. ● Crisp: Clear and concise, easy to understand.

● Hushed: Soft and quiet. ● Booming: Very loud and resonating. ● Piercing: High-pitched and sharp, almost painful to hear. ● Muted: Softened or subdued.

● High-pitched: More towards the treble end of the scale. ● Low-pitched: More towards the bass end of the scale. ● Shrill: Unpleasantly high and sharp. ● Sonorous: Deep, resonant, and often impressive.

Emotional Quality:

● Cheerful: Reflecting happiness or positivity. ● Melancholic: Sad or sorrowful. ● Animated: Lively and spirited. ● Monotonous: Lacking in variety, flat, without inflection.

● Clear: Easily understood, distinct. ● Muffled: Difficult to hear clearly. ● Slurred: Words run together, often due to intoxication or tiredness. ● Articulate: Spoken clearly with distinct syllables.

Rhythm and Pace:

● Staccato: Short and detached; abrupt. ● Legato: Smooth and connected; flowing. ● Rapid: Fast-paced. ● Languid: Slow and relaxed.

• Nasal: Resonating in the nose.
• Throaty: Deep and resonant, coming from the throat.
• Breathy: With a lot of audible breath.
• Resonant: Having a deep, full, reverberating sound.

Using these descriptors can help paint a vivid auditory image for the reader, adding depth to characters and enhancing the overall atmosphere of a scene.

How does the narrative voice influence the reader’s perception of a story?

The narrative voice is akin to a guide that walks a reader through the landscape of a story. It has the power to shape a reader’s understanding and engagement with the narrative.

A strong, relatable voice can make readers feel emotionally connected as if they’re experiencing events firsthand, while a detached or unfamiliar voice might provide an objective or even alien perspective.

For instance, an intimate first-person narrative voice can immerse readers into the character’s personal experiences, feelings, and inner conflicts, fostering a deeper emotional bond.

On the other hand, an omniscient third-person voice can offer a broader perspective, allowing the reader to understand the larger scope of events and the interplay of multiple characters’ motivations and actions.

Why is the authorial voice significant in distinguishing one writer from another?

The authorial voice is a writer’s unique fingerprint in the realm of literature. Just as no two people speak or express themselves in the exact same manner, no two writers have the same authorial voice. This voice comprises their choice of words (diction), sentence structures, rhythms, tones, and themes they often gravitate toward.

For instance, Ernest Hemingway’s minimalist, straightforward prose is easily distinguishable from the ornate, intricate sentences of F. Scott Fitzgerald. Readers often find themselves drawn to certain authors because of this unique voice, associating it with specific emotional experiences, insights, or narrative styles they enjoy.

How can a writer develop their unique authorial voice?

Developing an authorial voice is a journey of self-discovery, continuous learning, and immense practice. It begins with extensive reading. By exposing oneself to a plethora of styles, genres, and voices, a writer can discern what resonates with them. Writing regularly, experimenting with different styles, and seeking feedback are also crucial.

Over time, patterns will emerge, reflecting the writer’s preferences, beliefs, and idiosyncrasies. Personal experiences, values, and cultural background also play a role in shaping this voice. It’s essential to understand that this voice isn’t static; it evolves as the writer grows, both in skill and as an individual.

In what ways can a mismatched tone or voice detract from the narrative?

A mismatched tone of voice can create a jarring experience for the reader. Imagine a dark, tragic event described with a cheerful or humorous voice it would seem out of place and could diminish the gravity of the situation. Similarly, using a casual, colloquial voice in a historical epic might feel anachronistic and disrupt the immersion.

Quick Fact: When the voice or tone doesn’t align with the content or the setting, readers might struggle to connect emotionally or intellectually with the story, leading to a sense of detachment or even confusion.

How does the use of diction influence the perception of vocal clarity in literature?

Diction, or word choice, is pivotal in conveying vocal clarity. Using precise, evocative words can paint a vivid picture of a voice’s sound and emotion. For instance, describing a voice as “whispered” rather than just “soft” gives a clearer auditory image.

Similarly, words like “articulate” or “slurred” not only describe the sound but also give insights into the speaker’s state of mind or physical condition. A well-chosen word can provide layers of meaning, allowing the reader to hear the voice in their mind and understand the nuances behind its modulation.

Why might an author choose to use a variety of vocal descriptors across different characters in a story?

Variety in vocal descriptors aids in character differentiation and development. Each character is a unique entity with its own background, experiences, and emotions. By giving each character a distinctive voice, authors add depth to their personalities, making them more relatable and real to the readers.

For example, a wise old character might have a “sonorous, slow-paced” voice, reflecting age and gravitas, while an energetic young character might have a “crisp, rapid” voice, reflecting youth and vivacity.

These variations not only enhance the auditory landscape of the narrative but also provide subtle cues about characters’ personalities, histories, and current emotional states.

How do rhythm and pace in vocal descriptors mirror or contrast a scene’s atmosphere?

Rhythm and pace in vocal descriptors can be used strategically to amplify or counterpoint a scene’s mood. In an intense, fast-paced scene, a character’s “staccato” voice might echo the urgency of the situation. Conversely, in a calm, reflective scene, a “languid” voice could emphasize the relaxed nature of the moment.

However, authors can also use contrast to striking effect. For instance, amidst the chaos, a character speaking with a “smooth, rhythmic” voice might stand out, highlighting their control or detachment from the surrounding turmoil. Through such alignment or juxtaposition, the voice becomes an instrumental tool in setting or subverting the atmosphere of a scene.

What is the potential impact of using sensory imagery in depicting a voice in literature?

Utilizing sensory imagery when depicting a voice is akin to painting a vibrant scene with words . By allowing readers to “hear” the voice in their minds, the narrative becomes richer and more immersive. Descriptions such as “a voice as cold as a winter breeze” or “a laugh reminiscent of tinkling glass” evoke specific auditory and sensory reactions.

As humans, we’re innately wired to respond to sensory stimuli; therefore, the use of such imagery makes characters and situations more relatable, grounding fantastical or unfamiliar narratives in sensory experiences readers can understand and empathize with.

How can emotion and mood in a voice guide the reader’s feelings about a particular scene or character?

Voices, as described in literature, often act as windows into characters’ souls. A “melancholic lilt” or a “cheerful hum” not only informs about the current state of the character but also nudges readers towards feeling a certain way. When we read about a voice “quivering with suppressed rage,” we can sense the tension, perhaps evoking fear or anticipation.

Conversely, a voice described as “warm as a comforting hug” can evoke feelings of safety and affection. In essence, by depicting the emotion and mood in a character’s voice, authors guide readers’ emotions, ensuring they’re aligned with the intended atmosphere of the scene.

Why is the use of metaphors and similes especially potent in describing voices?

Metaphors and similes draw parallels between the unfamiliar and the familiar. By comparing a voice to something relatable, like “molten chocolate” or “a rushing stream,” the reader can instantly grasp its quality, even if they’ve never “heard” that particular voice.

This association bridges the gap between the textual description and the reader’s imagination, providing them with a tangible anchor. Furthermore, such comparisons often carry additional connotations; “molten chocolate” doesn’t just suggest smoothness, but also warmth, richness, and maybe even a hint of indulgence or sensuality.

How do descriptors of rhythm and pace influence the perceived personality or mindset of a character?

Rhythm and pace in vocal descriptions can reveal much about a character’s state of mind or even their personality. A character with a “rapid, staccato voice” might be perceived as anxious, impatient, or excited. In contrast, one with a “languid, flowing voice” might come across as relaxed, confident, or contemplative.

Over time, these vocal rhythms can be associated with consistent character traits, allowing readers to make quick judgments or anticipate reactions. For instance, a methodical character might always speak at a measured pace, and any deviation from this could signify a significant emotional upheaval for them.

How can personification add depth to the description of a voice?

Personifying a voice giving it human-like characteristics or behaviors can add layers of meaning to a narrative. Describing a voice as “tired” or “elusive” personifies it, suggesting not just sound quality but also emotion or intent. A voice that “tiptoes” might imply secrecy or caution; one that “roars” suggests not just loudness but also power and possibly anger.

By personifying a voice, authors grant it agency, turning it into an active participant in the narrative rather than just a passive descriptor.

What is the relationship between vocal clarity descriptors and character backstory or development?

Descriptors of vocal clarity, such as “muffled,” “articulate,” or “slurred,” can offer subtle hints about a character’s history or current state. A character who consistently speaks in muffled tones might have a history of repression or a reason to hide their feelings. On the other hand, an articulate voice might indicate education or a background that values clear communication.

Similarly, a sudden slurred speech could hint at intoxication, illness, or fatigue. By paying attention to these vocal nuances, astute readers can glean insights into characters’ backgrounds, motivations, or upcoming arcs.

How does resonance play a role in setting the atmosphere of a scene or reflecting character dynamics?

Resonance in vocal description isn’t just about the sound; it’s also about the impact. A voice with a deep resonance might fill a room, demanding attention and possibly indicating authority or gravitas.

A nasal resonance could be comedic, annoying, or indicative of a cold. Furthermore, the interplay of resonances between characters can reflect dynamics a scene where one voice drowns out another in resonance could signify dominance or suppression.

Resonance, in essence, adds another layer of auditory texture, helping set the scene’s tone and highlighting inter-character relationships.

The art of describing voice in literature is intricate, requiring a balance of precision and creativity. Beyond mere auditory representation, it serves as a portal into characters’ souls, reflecting their emotions, histories, and relationships.

As readers, we often underestimate the power of these vocal descriptions, but they’re instrumental in shaping our engagement with the narrative. A well-described voice doesn’t just echo in our ears but resonates in our hearts, making stories come alive in our minds.

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Hi, my name is Ben, and I am part of the writing crew for TheWritersHQ! I have a roaring passion for books and writing, and have written 2 books throughout my life! I am now excited to share my writing and book knowledge with the world!

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Master List of Words to Describe Voices

Hey friends! A month or so ago, a reader named Katy told me that she was finding my book Master Lists for Writers “brilliant with helping me not overthinking about specifics.” Yay! She asked if I had ever done a list of descriptions of voices. I had not!

I’m a huge proponent of engaging all of the readers’ senses, not just sight. It’s a good idea to help readers hear your characters’ voices. So this post is an addendum to the lists in the book. Thanks for the great idea, Katy!

[AdSense-B]

These are adjectives, but some of them can be altered into verbs (“braying” / “brayed”) or nouns (“rasping” / “his voice was a rasp.”)

Some of these more often describe a voice quality. Some of them more often describe how a character says something in particular—a tone rather than a voice.

You may not need to describe a tone of voice much of the time. The dialogue itself may make it clear. However, sometimes you might, particularly when the tone of voice does not match what the person is saying.

A few of these also suggest habitual speech patterns. As always, it’s not a complete list, and will probably make you think of other descriptors as well! Pin or bookmark the page so you’ll have it for future reference.

authoritative

barely audible

cheery/cheerful

cracked/cracking

devoid of emotion

gravelly/like gravel

high/high-pitched

indifferent

insinuating

low/low-pitched

matter-of-fact

mellifluous

silken/like silk

spacey/spaced-out

sympathetic

thunderous/like thunder

velvet/velvety

Making this list got me in the mood to write some dialogue! I hope it’s a good reference for you, too. If you enjoyed it, you might also like my post about things characters can do while they’re talking .

I hope you found this helpful! And check out Master Lists for Writers , which is full of lists to help writing go faster.

Thanks for reading, and happy writing!

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64 thoughts on “ master list of words to describe voices ”.

It’s a comprehensive list. ‘Master Lists’ sits on my writing desk and is often referred to. It’s so useful.

Ahh thank you Anne! And thank you so much for sharing on Twitter! <3

I love tart – will have to find a way to use that now 🙂

Ha, that is actually my favorite. I don’t think I’ve ever used it to describe a tone of voice in a story!

I instantly saw the dowager from Downton Abbey in my mind – she can say something in a tart voice for sure LOL

Very helpful and have your book in my To buy list. 😀

Sorry I just now saw this!! Thank you! 🙂

Brilliant addition! Thanks 🙂

Sorry I’m late in the reply — glad you liked it! 🙂

Reblogged this on TheKingsKidChronicles .

Reblogged this on Chris The Story Reading Ape's Blog and commented: In case you’re running out of words ???

Exactly what I needed today! Thank you!

Oh, so glad it helped! 🙂

Brilliant. 😀

That’s saying a mouthful. 😀 Thanks for supplying even more useful information!

I see what you did there 😉 Thank you John!

This is very useful. Thank you.

So glad you liked it!

Reblogged this on Musings on Life & Experience and commented: Helpful for describing characters.

Thanks for sharing!

Reblogged this on Writing and Music and commented: This is an excellent reference for writers. Use it! Don’t be stuck with the same voice tags throughout your story.

Thanks for the kind words — and for sharing!

Thanks so much! I’m currently writing a fantasy novel and I’m having trouble with describing my characters, but not so much that the reading becomes boring. This helps ’cause a voice can tell a lot about a character.

Thanks for the nice comment — so glad it was helpful!

This is another really great list. I’m pinning it! Thank you! (she says heartily.)

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Hi, I got the Master Lists for Writers, and it is very helpful. I was wondering if you have the Master List of Facial Expressions and Master List of description for voices in a book that could be purchase?

Hi, Constance! I’m so glad you found the book helpful! The facial expressions list is in the book, but the voice list is not. If I ever do an updated edition (and I might!), I’ll put the voice list in there 🙂

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Thank you for this list. Help me to expand m ideas. I note this list have “tone words” and “speech words” altogether. For example “alto” is for the voice and “ironical” is for the speech – but really funny to imagine a character who always have an ironical voice… So I can make two sublists from this : one for the physical aspects inherent to the character and the other one for the tone used by the character to convey the message.

Hi there! Yes, that’s a good point: there’s a difference between someone’s voice quality and how someone says something in particular 🙂 Thanks for the kind words!

Nice list! Hey, do you think it’s possible to write an entire book without using any visual descriptions? The entire story could be narrated using descriptions of sounds and textures or something. I just think it would be interesting to write an entire book filled with imagery that blind people could relate to.

Hey, thanks! I’m sure it’s possible. Most of us are very visual, so it would feel very different. In All the Light We Cannot See , the scenes from the blind girl’s point of view are of course like this, and it’s pretty interesting!

Hi Bryn, I bought your book master list for writers the other day. It’s excellent. Great reference, gets my wheels turning again if I’m stuck. You’re very talented, thanks, Sal

Hi, Sal! Thank you so much for getting the book — and even more for the kind words! I really appreciate it. Here’s to more and more success with your writing!

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Velvet and Stiff are my fovourite while reading a book, it’s like I can hear the tone in my head..!

Yeah, I really like those, too!

OF COURSE you had a masterlist for this. I don’t even know why I didn’t visit your blog directly when I went to search “how to describe voices”. Thank you! Also, your latest plot masterlist, the one for mystery story, has helped me get back on a story that had stalled since early spring. I didn’t take any of your prompts directly, but it made me think of all the ways I could add more conflict. Now I’m excited about that story again!

Hahaha, hi Noémie! I’m glad you found what you were looking for! Ahh, and I’m so happy to hear the mystery list was helpful. I always think they can work that way sometimes…just by spurring other ideas. Have fun with the story!

I use Mater List for Writers almost every day. It’s extremely helpful for finding just what I need. I can’t recommend it enough.

Lynn I am so happy to hear it’s helpful! That makes my day.

OH I am so happy I found your book! I just got it actually like a day ago, (Pintrest advertising worked for you! ) Anyway is this list in the book? I love everything I’ve seen so far!

Hi, Erika! Oh, thanks so much for getting the book — I hope it’s useful for you! This list isn’t in there…it’s one I thought of after the book came out! 🙂

WHEW! I thought I was losing it. I mean I started looking and I would get side tracked so I thought I was just missing it. I love it. You’ve done a great service to writers all over.

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Would it be possible to have short definitions for each of those voice types/descriptions?

• Pingback: ? Writing Links Round Up 10/1-10/6 – B. Shaun Smith

Please add short descriptions for those words pLeAsEeEeEeeE..!

Go to this site (or any other Synonym thesaurus site) and type in any word you want and you will get several other words that have the same or similar meanings.

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Very useful!

When one is learning anything means something. I am learning. Your list is worth a lifetime for me. Thank you so much!

Hi Vic! Thank you for the kind words. I’m so glad you liked it!

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32+ Vivid Adjectives That Describe a Person’s Voice

Last Updated: May 7, 2024 Fact Checked

This article was reviewed by Gerald Posner and by wikiHow staff writer, Caroline Heiderscheit . Gerald Posner is an Author & Journalist based in Miami, Florida. With over 35 years of experience, he specializes in investigative journalism, nonfiction books, and editorials. He holds a law degree from UC College of the Law, San Francisco, and a BA in Political Science from the University of California-Berkeley. He’s the author of thirteen books, including several New York Times bestsellers, the winner of the Florida Book Award for General Nonfiction, and has been a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in History. He was also shortlisted for the Best Business Book of 2020 by the Society for Advancing Business Editing and Writing. There are 26 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 199,863 times.

The English language is chock-full of unique, exciting words to describe a person's voice. Whether you're discussing someone real or writing a fictional character, there's one word that perfectly describes the way they speak—and you'll find it listed below! We've also included definitions and examples to help you get started; so what are you waiting for? Enjoy our complete list of adjectives that describe a person's voice!

Things You Should Know

• Voices can be described by their volume. For example, "booming" and "feathery" are ways to describe loud and quiet voices.
• Some adjectives help describe a voice's tone and pitch; "monotone" and "shrill," for instance.
• You can also describe how someone's voice affects others. "Soporific" voices put people to sleep, and "hypnotic" voices hold them in a trance.

• Example: “I couldn’t focus on what he was actually saying, just his annoying, adenoidal voice.”

• Example: “They spoke to us in an angelic voice, and we trusted everything they had to say because of it.”
• Example: “Listening to her animated voice, I knew she was really passionate about the topic at hand.”

• Example: “The camp counselor knew that her booming voice would get the kid’s attention.”

• Example: “The little boy’s hands were shaking and he responded in a brittle voice: 'I don’t want to go to bed yet.'"

• Example: “Their voice was so croaky, it made them sound 10 years older than they actually were.”

• Example: “Her speaking voice was so beautiful and crisp—you could tell she’d spent years doing theater.”
• Example: “He gave the directions quickly in a crisp voice; he wasn’t messing around.”

• Example: “I’m so excited for the Weyes Blood concert this weekend. Her voice is the definition of ethereal!”

• Example: “With his feathery voice, I could hardly hear him speak above the noise.”

• Example: “If my professor’s voice gets any flatter, I’m going to start nodding off in lecture.”

• Example: “Though I agree entirely with the politician’s stance, their voice is so grating—I don’t know if I could listen to this for 4 years…”

• Example: “The cowboy looked across the saloon and, in a gravelly voice, said: 'This town ain’t big enough for the both of us.'”

• Example: “Their hoarse voice piped up from the bed, 'I’m really not feeling well—could you grab me some water?'”

• Example: “Her voice was honeyed while company was still hanging around, but I knew the second they left, she’d start yelling.”

• Example: “Even though I knew we could never be together, her husky voice was so hard to resist.”

• Example: “Her hypnotic voice grabbed me immediately. When my best friend got up to leave, I didn’t even notice.”

Mellifluous

• Example: “I fell in love with him the second he spoke to me—his voice was mellifluous.”

• Example: “They spoke with a modulated voice and passionately argued for climate change reform—I knew that the whole audience was moved.”

• Example: “As he continued telling his long story in a monotonous voice, I hit my wit's end: 'I’m going to go to the bathroom!'”

• Example: “Their orotund voice made for an amazing toast, though it did feel like they were talking down to us at times.”

Penetrating

• Example: “Her penetrating scream was heard all the way from the next neighborhood.”

• Example: “I’ve heard just about enough of her plummy voice; who does she think she is?”

• Example: “He’s so rowdy. That raucous voice is going to get him into trouble one of these days.”

• Example: “My teacher told me that I have a resonant voice, so they suggested I join the speech team.”

• Example: “They blathered on in a shrill voice for hours; I left their house needing an Advil.”

• Example: “As I listened to him speak in that gorgeous, silvery voice, I thought about how he’d be a great podcast host.”

• Example: “She told the fairytale to kids in a singsong voice that had them all on the edges of their seats.”

• Example: “His singing voice was soporific. Sitting by the campfire, I felt like I could fall asleep to his melodies.”

• Example: “The whole room was chattering until she clapped her hands twice and spoke in a stentorian voice: 'Listen up!'”

• Example: “When I heard his taut voice, I knew that the stain I left on his jacket bothered him more than he’d let on.”

• Example: “His throaty laugh was so unique, I could recognize it anywhere.”

• Example: “My coach’s tremulous voice made me question her confidence in us—did she think we were going to lose our lead?”

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• ↑ https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/adenoidal
• ↑ https://www.collinsdictionary.com/us/dictionary/english/angelic-voice
• ↑ https://www.collinsdictionary.com/us/dictionary/english/animated
• ↑ https://www.collinsdictionary.com/us/dictionary/english/brittle
• ↑ https://www.collinsdictionary.com/us/dictionary/english/croaky-voice
• ↑ https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/crisp
• ↑ https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ethereal
• ↑ https://www.collinsdictionary.com/us/dictionary/english/feathery
• ↑ http://vocularapp.com/monotone-voice-myth/
• ↑ https://www.vocabulary.com/dictionary/grating
• ↑ https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/hoarseness
• ↑ https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/honeyed
• ↑ https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/husky
• ↑ https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/hypnotic
• ↑ https://www.vocabulary.com/dictionary/mellifluous
• ↑ https://www.collinsdictionary.com/us/dictionary/english/modulate
• ↑ https://www.dictionary.com/browse/orotund
• ↑ https://www.collinsdictionary.com/us/dictionary/english/plummy
• ↑ https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/raucous
• ↑ https://www.vocabulary.com/dictionary/resonance
• ↑ https://www.vocabulary.com/dictionary/shrill
• ↑ ​​ https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/silvery
• ↑ https://www.wineverygame.com/words/soporific.html
• ↑ https://www.vocabulary.com/dictionary/stentorian
• ↑ https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/us/definition/english/taut
• ↑ https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/us/definition/american_english/tremulous

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The Ultimate List Of Tone Words

As a writer, you know how important it is to choose the right word for the meaning you’re trying to convey.

And part of that is knowing what tone words are and which one to use in a particular context. 

The wrong one is like an errant note in an otherwise flawless performance. Even if it has the same dictionary definition, it just doesn’t sound right. 

But where do you go to find the words with just the right tone and cadence to make the sentence flow as it should? 

Welcome to our ultimate list of tone words . 

175 Words to Describe Tone for Authors

Positive tone words, negative tone words, neutral tone words, final thoughts, what are tones in writing.

Tone in writing is like the voice or mood that jumps off the page when you’re reading a story or an article. For example, when listening to your favorite song notice how it can make you feel happy, sad, excited, or calm.

Tone in writing works the same way but through words. It’s the writer’s way of showing their point of view toward the subject or the audience.

Understanding tone is like being a detective for feelings and attitudes, helping you get the real vibe of what you’re reading. It makes reading more colorful and helps you connect with the written words.

Any tone words list (worth the time it takes to make it) should provide the fuller meaning of each word — i.e., not just the denotation (dictionary definition) but it’s connotations, too. 

For this tone words list, you’ll see each tone word example explained with a short definition or with synonyms that have the same general tone.  

All you have to do is open a thesaurus to find synonyms for a particular word to realize that some of those words do NOT have the tone you’re looking for.

Some are obviously negative. Some are positive. And the rest are more or less neutral. 

Related: 111 Negative Adjectives To Describe A Person

The tone word you need for the moment is the one that evokes the right emotions and that allows your sentence to flow without speed bumps.  

Positive tone words are those that evoke positive emotions.

If you hear a person described in words with a positive tone, you’re more likely to think favorably of them, even before you’ve met.

• Adoring — loving ardently; worshipping; venerating 
• Amused — entertained or diverted; pleased
• Animated — lively; full of excitement or enthusiasm; vibrant; spirited; impassioned
• Appreciative — grateful or thankful; showing gratitude, approval, or pleasure
• Assertive — sure of oneself; brave or fearless; self-confident; authoritative
• Ardent — passionate; enthusiastic; fervent; zealous
• Benevolent — kind; generous; compassionate; tolerant; well meaning
• Blithe — in good spirits; of a sunny disposition; happy; cheerful
• Bold — audacious or daring; assertive; fearless or seeming to be fearless
• Calm — serene or tranquil; unruffled or unshaken; placid
• Candid — honest or truthful; straightforward; unreserved
• Celebratory — paying tribute to; glorifying; praising or honoring; making merry
• Cheerful / cheery — positive or uplifting; optimistic; salutary; 
• Comforting — consoling; healing; warming or calming; soothing
• Comic — funny/humorous ; amusing or entertaining; diverting
• Compassionate — empathetic or sympathetic; nonjudgmental; quick to forgive
• Contented — wanting for nothing; grateful; accepting 
• Curious — inquisitive or questioning; wanting to know more
• Direct — straightforward; blunt; lacking in hesitation
• Earnest — serious; wholehearted; sincere or showing deep sincerity or feeling
• Ebullient — high-spirited; brimming with enthusiasm or excitement; exuberant
• Elated — joyful or jubilant; in high spirits; happy or proud
• Elevated — exalted; lofty; honored
• Eloquent — beauty or fluidity of expression; 
• Empathetic — showing empathy; feeling the emotions of others
• Enchant — cast a spell over; entrance; bewitch
• Endearing — inspiring warmth or affection
• Enthusiastic — excited; energetic; optimistic; bubbling over
• Exhilarated — invigorated; enlivened or feeling alive; stimulated; made cheerful
• Forthright — straight to the point; frank; outspoken; unambiguous; direct
• Gentle — kind; considerate; tender; soft; not severe; gradual; moderate
• Hilarious — amusing; uproariously funny; ridiculous or laughable
• Inspirational — motivating ; energizing; reassuring; instilling hope; catalyzing
• Intimate — familiar; confidential; confessional; private
• Joyful — filled with gratitude; elated or exuberant; supremely happy
• Laudatory — praising; extolling; recommending
• Learned — educated; knowledgeable; erudite; involved in the pursuit of knowledge
• Lighthearted — positive; carefree; relaxed; optimistic; in good spirits
• Lively — full of life; energetic; vigorous; animated; spirited; sprightly; vivacious
• Lofty — exalted in rank; elevated in tone, style, or sentiment
• Loving — affectionate; showing deep concern or solicitude for someone
• Modest — free from ostentation; unpretentious; showing humility 
• Objective — without prejudice; fair; basing judgment on facts rather than feelings
• Optimistic — hopeful; cheerful; expecting good; disposed to taking a favorable view
• Powerful — potent; efficacious; having or exerting great power; forceful
• Reassuring — restoring hope, security, or confidence
• Reflective — given to reflection , meditation, or contemplation; thoughtful
• Relaxed — calm; free or relieved of tension, trouble, or anxiety
• Respectful — full of or showing politeness, sympathy, or deference
• Reverent — showing deep respect; holding someone or something in high esteem
• Righteous — morally right or justifiable; pious; guiltless; upright
• Romantic — imbued with idealism; preoccupied with love, adventure, justice, etc.
• Sanguine — hopeful; cheerfully optimistic; confident of a good outcome
• Scholarly — learned; educated; committed to furthering one’s education
• Self-assured — having or showing self-confidence; bold or fearless; forward
• Sincere — honest; truthful; not false or deceitful; free of hypocrisy; genuine
• Stable — not likely to fall or give way (as a structure/support); steady
• Stately — grand; imposing in size or magnificence; elegant; majestic
• Straightforward — honest; straight to the point; not roundabout; direct
• Sympathetic — understand what another is feeling; showing compassion
• Tender — gentle; soft-hearted; compassionate; kind; delicate; young
• Thoughtful — considerate of others; thinking before acting; pensive
• Tolerant — open-minded; patient; charitable; sympathetic; lenient; accepting
• Tranquil — calm; unruffled; unprovoked; peaceful; placid; serene
• Vibrant — full of life and vigor; lively; full of vivid color; vivacious 
• Whimsical — playful or fun; offbeat; mischievous; quaint; capricious; fanciful
• Witty — quick-witted; entertaining; amusingly clever; intelligent
• Wonder — admiration; fascination; awe; curiosity; amazement; admiration

Anything described in negative tone words is likely to leave you with a bad impression, whether the thing described is a place, a book, or a group of people.

Choose your words carefully. If this is a time for honest negativity, this list will help you find the right words .

• Abashed — embarrassed or ashamed; humiliated; shy
• Abhorring — hating; despising; loathing; abominating; detesting
• Abstruse — difficult to understand; esoteric; secret or hidden; obsolete
• Absurd — laughable, ludicrous, ridiculous; senseless; illogical; untrue
• Accusatory — suggesting someone (else) has done something wrong
• Acerbic — biting, abrasive, cutting, or sharp; hurtful; severe
• Aggressive — hostile, forceful, argumentative, contentious 
• Angry — irate or furious; menacing or threatening; resentful 
• Annoyed — irritated; agitated; provoked; disturbed; bothered
• Antagonistic — argumentative or contentious; contrarian; belligerent
• Anxious — focused on negative thought loops; feeling out of control
• Apathetic — indifferent or lacking concern; unemotional; showing little interest
• Apprehensive — worried or nervous; expecting the worst
• Arrogant — conceited or self-important; overbearing; condescending
• Authoritarian — domineering or bossy; insisting on complete obedience
• Belligerent — bellicose or warlike; antagonistic; combative 
• Bewildered — baffled, confused, or flummoxed; lost
• Bitter — angry; acrimonious; resentful or dwelling on past injury
• Boorish — dull; pretentious; arrogant or self-absorbed
• Brusque — abrupt or dismissive; rough; blunt
• Callous — uncaring or unfeeling; indifferent; lacking in compassion
• Caustic — making cutting or corrosive comments; intending injury
• Censorious — critical or quick to judge or condemn; 
• Choleric — quick to anger; short-tempered; hot-blooded; irascible
• Churlish — critical in a mean-spirited way; nasty; belligerent; bullying
• Cliché — overused; trite; stale; unimaginative; hackneyed; commonplace
• Clinical — humorless; detached; unfeeling or uncaring; aloof; cold
• Complicated — unnecessarily complex; difficult to comprehend
• Condescending — patronizing; talking down to those you consider beneath you
• Confounded — confused; befuddled or mystified; bewildered; damned
• Confused — bewildered; unable to think clearly; vague; perplexed; disoriented
• Contemptuous — hateful; spiteful; quick to hold others in contempt; toxic
• Contentious — argumentative or combative; quick to stir the pot
• Critical — finding fault; complaining or criticizing; disapproving 
• Cruel — causing pain or suffering; unkind; spiteful; devoid of humane feelings
• Cynical — critical of motives; quick to assume the worst; mocking or sneering
• Derisive — mocking; sarcastic; dismissive or scornful; snide 
• Derogatory — insulting or demeaning; disrespectul; unkind 
• Detached — aloof or distant; uncaring; unfeeling; frigid; machine-like
• Diabolic — demonic or satanic; evil or malicious; 
• Diffident — lacking confidence in your ability or worth; timid or shy
• Disgusted — appalled; repulsed; repelled; disappointed
• Disparaging — critical; scornful; dismissive; insulting
• Distressing — saddening or heartbreaking; troubling; disturbing 
• Dogmatic — thinking in black and white; intolerant; inflexible; close-minded
• Domineering — imposing your beliefs and/or authority on others; tyrannical
• Dubious — questionable or having questionable motives; inclined to doubt 
• Egotistical — ego-centric; self-centered or self-absorbed; vain; arrogant
• Enraged — furious; unhinged; infuriated; extremely angry
• Evasive — cryptic or unclear; avoiding; ambiguous; elusive or evanescent
• Facetious — inappropriate or impertinent; flippant or dismissive; glib; shallow
• Farcical — ridiculous; absurd; mocking; humorous and highly improbable
• Fatalistic — pessimistic; expecting the worst as inevitable
• Fearful — frightened; afraid; terrified; paralyzed or immobilized; shy
• Flippant — casual or thoughtless; glib; inconsiderate; dismissive 
• Foppish — dandified; pretentious; vain; excessively refined and fastidious
• Foreboding — dread; strong feeling of impending doom or evil
• Frivolous — unnecessary and costing more than it’s worth; silly or lacking 
• Frustrated — feeling thwarted in your efforts; feeling besieged or undermined
• Ghoulish — delighting in the loathesome, perverse, or revolting
• Grim — serious or humorless; of dark intent; macabre; depressing
• Hapless — unfortunate or appearing to be doomed to perpetual bad luck
• Harsh — unkind or unmerciful; unnecessarily painful; unyielding 
• Humble — modest; deferential; self-confident; unassuming; respectful
• Inane — foolish; stupid; silly or nonsensical; vacuous; empty; insignificant
• Incredulous — disbelieving; unconvinced; suspicious; questioning; skeptical
• Malicious — having ill intent; mean-spirited; spiteful; vindictive
• Naïve — unsuspecting; gullible or easy to deceive; unsophisticated
• Narcissistic — self-admiring; pathologically self-centered
• Obsequious — fawning; overly submissive or obedient; servile; groveling 
• Outraged — furious or extremely angered; deeply offended
• Pretentious — affected; artificial; grandiose; flashy; superficial
• Satirical — mocking to show a weakness; ridiculing; derisive; scornful
• Sarcastic — ironic; saying the opposite of what you mean to mock or ridicule
• Scathing — harsh; critical; cutting; unsparing; vicious; harmful or injurious
• Sensationalistic — inaccurate; hyped up; exxagerated; provocative
• Subjective — biased; prejudiced; based on emotion rather than facts
• Sulking — resentful; sullen; bad-tempered; grumpy; self-pitying
• Tragic — calamitous; disastrous; catastrophic; devastating
• Uneasy — worried; ill at ease; edgy; nervous; unsettled
• Vindictive — vengeful; spiteful; petty; unforgiving; hateful
• World-weary — bored; tired; cynical; pessimistic

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Sad Tone Words

Some negative tone words leave you with an impression of sadness rather than disgust or anger.

Here’s a sampling of these, most of them described using other sad tone words.

• Apologetic — full of regret or remorse; repentant; acknowleding failure 
• Depressed — lacking in energy or buoyancy; apathetic; emotionally blunted
• Despairing — hopeless; sinking without an attempt to rise; seeing only darkness
• Disheartening — discouraging; depressing; demoralizing; undermining; sad
• Gloomy — depressing; dreary; discouraging; sad or low-spirited; pessimistic
• Grave — serious; morose or moribund; solemn; weighty; important
• Hollow — lacking substance; empty; meaningless; joyless
• Melancholy — sad or prone to sadness; having a gloomy outlook
• Pathetic — evoking pity; marked by sorrow or sadness; pitifully inadequate
• Somber — gloomy; solemn; grave; melancholy; depressing 
• Wretched — miserable; sorrowful; distressed or in agony; despairing

When you want a neutral tone in writing, it can be hard to find.

It doesn’t take much for us to associate words with an emotion or to feel the emotional undercurrent of a word — whether positive or negative and to whatever degree. But some neutral words remain. 

• Ambivalent — uncertain; having mixed feelings; undecided
• Cautionary — raises awareness; gives warning; admonishing
• Compliant — in conformity with rules/expectations; flexible; acquiescent
• Conciliatory — meant to pacify or placate; seeking to please 
• Colloquial — familiar; everyday language; casual or informal
• Defensive — defending or guarding a position; watchful; preventing aggression
• Formal — respectful; following accepted rules/styles; preserving form/custom
• Impartial — objective; not favoring either side over the other
• Intense — deeply felt; concentrated; passionate; earnest; extreme
• Introspective — inward-focused or turning inward; contemplative
• Pensive — lost in thought; introspective or reflective; contemplative
• Pragmatic — realistic; dispassionate or detached; ruled by logic; practical
• Solemn — serious; not funny; in earnest; sober; reverent; grave; mirthless
• Urgent — insistent; implying something must be done as soon as possible

Now that you’ve looked through our list of tones, which ones stood out for you the most? What kind of tone did those words have (positive, negative, or neutral)? 

Sometimes, our moods make certain words stand out for us as more fitting or more resonant. And sometimes we just see them because we’ve used them or heard them used recently — in a way that made them stick.

I hope your life gives you plenty of reasons to use positive tone words. But some situations and contexts call for the opposite. Your current work in progress might call for plenty of the opposite. 

And in certain contexts, even the neutral tone words sound more negative than otherwise. The right context can even change the tone of words that are usually considered positive.

I hope the words you use to describe yourself are kind and encouraging. And at the end of the day, may the balance of your words leave you with a smile. 

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Last updated on Dec 02, 2021

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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For this infographic, we've narrowed down the 270 most essential dialogue words for you to know! Simply enter your email below to get it in your inbox within minutes.

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Upgrade your dialogue with our list of 270 alternatives to “said.”

To see how master writers assemble their dialogue, head over to our final post in this series for some choice examples of dialogue.

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Best Adjectives to Describe a Speech

Table of Contents

Using adjectives to describe a speech can help convey emotion, just like a painting. Many words in English can be used to express a speech.

Certain adjectives are more commonly used in speech to describe a speaker’s stance. These adjectives are typically used in front of nouns present in the speech.

They help the speaker show their emotion rather than just being descriptive.

This article has a list of adjectives to describe a speech, but it’s by no means exhaustive. So, use it to inspire ideas or create your description of a speech.

Adverbs and Adjectives: Words for Description in English

Words that describe things in English fall into two categories. Adjectives and adverbs are the terms used to describe these words . 

When it comes to characterizing things, you can think of these terms as acting as both adverbs and adjectives. They are both words that describe something or modify a sentence.

Adjectives and adverbs provide extra information used to convey the level of activity of something. They are both very valuable and commonly employed in conversation. Here’s how to use them in sentence examples.

Adjectives, as we all know, are employed further to describe a subject or object, noun or pronoun. Adjectives are words that describe the noun or pronoun in more detail , such as its size, shape, color, appearance, etc.

The following are some instances of adjectives.

• The stand is wide.
• He has a big head.
• It’s a shiny black car.
• They are black ants.
• It is a minimalist penthouse.

A sentence may contain an adverb to characterize any part of the sentence other than a noun or pronoun. An adverb is often used to modify an adjective or verb. It presents the meaning of words in a more specific way.

They are often written with a short word before a verb or adjective to specify more clearly what the word is modifying. 

Here are some adverb examples.

• They cried bitterly.
• She wept loudly.
• He sang persuasively.
• He quickly took off his clothes.
• She snores loudly

Adjectives to Describe a Speech in English

Words are employed to explain or write about how something is done or how something behaves in a particular context. The employment of a descriptive adjective heightens people’s expressions.

Below is a list of adjectives to describe a speech in English. If you want to become a better communicator, learn some of the terms below;

• Interesting
• Pleasurable
• Significant
• Eloquent 

Wrapping Up

Using adjectives to describe a speech helps speakers to enhance their speeches and the sentiments behind what they are trying to produce. 

They use adjectives to add more meaning to their speeches and make the audience more interested in what they say.

Abir Ghenaiet

Abir is a data analyst and researcher. Among her interests are artificial intelligence, machine learning, and natural language processing. As a humanitarian and educator, she actively supports women in tech and promotes diversity.

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Describing Words: A Comprehensive Guide to Enhance Your Vocabulary

By: Author Paul Jenkins

Posted on September 6, 2023

Categories Writing , Storytelling

Describing words, also known as adjectives, play a crucial role in language by providing information about nouns and pronouns. These words help paint a vivid picture in the reader’s mind, enabling them to understand or visualize something more effectively.

They are instrumental in defining objects, words, and explaining information in a more comprehensible manner.

There are various types of describing words that can be categorized according to their functions and usage. Some common categories include appearance, personality, tone, and sensory words. By strategically using different describing words, you can achieve greater clarity and precision in your written or spoken communications.

Key Takeaways

• Describing words enhance understanding by providing details about nouns and pronouns.
• Different categories of describing words serve various functions in communication.
• Skillful usage of describing words can improve clarity and precision in writing and speech.

Understanding Describing Words

In the English language, describing words play a crucial role in enhancing your writing and speech. These words mainly include adjectives, adverbs, and participles, which help you provide more information about nouns and verbs, making your expressions clearer and more vivid.

Describing words, or adjectives, are used to modify nouns and pronouns. They offer details about size, shape, color, texture, and other qualities.

For instance, consider the use of “tiny,” “round,” and “blue” in this sentence: “The tiny, round, and blue button lay on the floor.” Here, you can see how adjectives add more depth to the description of the noun, “button.”

Adverbs, on the other hand, modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs, giving additional information about how, when, or where an action takes place.

For example, in the sentence “She quickly finished her homework,” the adverb “quickly” provides more information about how the verb “finished” occurred.

Participles are another type of describing words. They combine features of verbs and adjectives and can be used as an adjective to modify a noun.

There are two types of participles: present participles (ending in -ing) and past participles (usually ending in -ed or -en). For example, in the sentence “The broken glass cut her foot,” the past participle “broken” is used as a descriptive adjective to give more information about the noun “glass.”

To enhance your writing or speech, it’s important to have a varied and extensive list of descriptive adjectives and adverbs. Embrace the richness and breadth of the English language by familiarizing yourself with many describing words that highlight different features.

By incorporating diverse and accurate describing words, you can effectively convey your thoughts and emotions, creating a more engaging, vivid, and memorable experience for your readers or listeners.

Types of Describing Words

Adjectives are one of the most common types of describing words. They describe the characteristics, traits, or qualities of a noun or pronoun. In English, adjectives often come before the noun they describe.

Some examples of adjectives are color words (such as red, blue, or green) and words describing size (such as big, small, or enormous).

Here are 10 examples of descriptive adjectives:

Adverbs are another category of describing words that modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs. They describe how, when, where, or to what extent something happens.

Adverbs can add depth and nuance to your writing by providing additional information about actions or events.

Examples of adverbs are quickly, silently, and very. Generally, adverbs often end in -ly.

Verbs are words that denote action, occurrence, or a state of being. Descriptive verbs can help you convey movement or change in your writing and can provide vivid imagery.

Some common descriptive verbs include sprint, stroll, and laugh. Use these verbs judiciously to bring your writing to life and to help your reader visualize the scene.

Nouns are words used to name a person, place, thing, or idea. Descriptive nouns can help set the scene and provide context for your writing.

Nouns that describe specific items, like “canyon” or “skyscraper,” can paint a picture in your reader’s mind.

Integrating descriptive nouns alongside adjectives, adverbs, and participles can help you create a rich text that appeals to the senses.

Participles

Participles are words that combine the functions of verbs and adjectives. They can describe actions or qualities and are often used in phrases to add further detail.

Participles come in two forms: present participles (ending in -ing) and past participles (usually ending in -ed or -en). Examples of participles include “smiling,” “broken,” and “shattered.” Including participles in your writing can add depth and complexity, making your descriptions more engaging.

By incorporating these different types of describing words in your writing, you will create a rich and vivid text that keeps your readers engaged.

Remember to use adjectives, adverbs, verbs, nouns, and participles to add various layers to your description, making your work exciting and immersive.

Usage of Describing Words

In sentences.

Describing words, such as adjectives and adverbs, are essential in shaping the tone and the meaning of your sentences.

Adjectives modify nouns, adding details that help the reader visualize or understand a person, thing, or place.

For example, in the sentence “You baked a delicious cake,” the word “delicious” is an adjective describing the noun “cake.”

Adverbs, on the other hand, modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs, providing more information about how an action is performed.

In the sentence “She quickly finished her homework,” the adverb “quickly” describes the verb “finished.”

When using describing words in your sentences, it’s important to keep the following in mind:

• Be specific: Use precise describing words to convey your exact meaning.
• Be concise: Avoid overusing adjectives or adverbs, as this can clutter your writing and make it less clear.

In your writing, describing words can help you create vivid imagery and compelling narratives. They are especially useful when you want to:

• Set the scene : Use describing words to immerse readers in your story by painting a detailed picture of the setting.
• Develop characters : Use adjectives and adverbs to describe your characters’ appearance, personality, emotions, and actions.
• Evoke emotions : Choose describing words that help readers feel the emotions you want to convey.

To improve your writing, try making lists of describing words for various nouns, verbs, and emotions in the English language. This exercise will help you expand your vocabulary and discover new ways to express your ideas.

In Descriptions

Describing words play a crucial role in creating vivid, informative descriptions, whether for a product, an event, or a concept. When crafting descriptions:

• Be accurate: Choose describing words that truly represent what you’re describing.
• Be concise: Focus on the most relevant details, using describing words sparingly but effectively.
• Appeal to the senses: Use sensory language (touch, taste, sight, sound, and smell) to make your description more immersive and engaging.
• Use comparisons: Use adjectives and adverbs to draw comparisons between similar items, highlighting unique features or characteristics.

Remember, the goal is to provide a clear and engaging description that gives your readers a full understanding of the subject at hand.

By using describing words effectively, you’ll enhance your descriptions, making them more informative and enjoyable for your audience.

Common Describing Words

Most common adjectives.

As you strive to improve your writing, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the most common adjectives. These descriptive words help convey various qualities or characteristics of the nouns they modify.

Some examples of common adjectives include big, small, red, happy, soft, and fast .

Here are 100 common adjectives in English:

good, bad, big, small, tall, short, young, old, fast, slow, happy, sad, angry, calm, hungry, full, hot, cold, easy, hard, quiet, loud, clean, dirty, pretty, ugly, nice, mean, rich, poor, busy, free, cheap, expensive, safe, dangerous, long, short, dark, light, dry, wet, dead, alive, sweet, sour, thick, thin, male, female, first, last, left, right, smooth, rough, flat, round, wet, dry, smart, stupid, lucky, unlucky, guilty, innocent, healthy, sick, friendly, unfriendly, red, green, blue, yellow, white, black, large, gigantic, tiny, huge, gigantic, miniature, strong, powerful, weak, shy, outgoing, proud, humble, brave, cowardly, lovely, gorgeous, boring, exciting, careful, careless, difficult, easy, fat, skinny, new, old, future, ancient, front, back, up, down, strange, familiar, same, different, fresh, rotten, open, closed, kind, cruel, loud, quiet, bumpy, smooth, crooked, straight, deep, shallow, soft, hard, sticky, runny, broken, fixed, messy, organized, early, late, fake, real, square, round, alive, dead, asleep, awake, cloudy, sunny, rainy, dry, freezing, boiling, chilly, warm, cold, hot, noisy, silent, scarce, abundant.

Most Common Adverbs

Adverbs are another essential aspect of describing words. They typically modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs, often providing information about how, when, where, or to what degree an action occurs.

Common adverbs you might encounter include quickly, very, soon, and always .

Here are 25 common adverbs:

• Difficultly
• Occasionally

Most Common Verbs

Verbs are the action words in your sentences. They not only convey what is happening but also can help paint a vivid picture when paired with appropriate adjectives or adverbs.

Some examples of common verbs are run, walk, eat, speak, and grow . Your writing will benefit from incorporating a diverse range of verbs to express different actions and states clearly and engagingly.

Most Common Nouns

Nouns are the foundation of your sentences, representing people, places, things, or ideas. To enrich your writing, expand on the common nouns you use and find more specific or unique describing words. Examples of common nouns are cat, tree, city, love, and car . By incorporating a more extensive variety of nouns into your writing, you will create a more vivid, engaging, and informative reading experience.

Describing Words for Appearance and Personality

Words for physical features.

When describing someone’s appearance, you might come across various adjectives that capture their physical features. Some examples include:

• Tall or short: Describing a person’s height – for instance, “you have a tall stature” or “your friend is quite short.”
• Slim or plump: Talking about a person’s body size – “your coworker is slim and athletic” or “your neighbor has a plump physique.”
• Charming or lovely: Complimenting someone’s pleasant or attractive appearance. “Your charming smile brightens the room” or “you have lovely eyes.”
• Old-fashioned or natural: Describing someone’s appearance in terms of style or grooming – “you have an old-fashioned sense of style” or “your natural look is refreshing.”

Here are 15 examples of using descriptive words to paint a vivid picture of someone’s physical appearance:

• Her flowing chestnut hair cascaded down her back in soft waves.
• His twinkling blue eyes creased at the corners when he smiled his crooked grin.
• She had a heart-shaped face with delicate features framed by loose ringlets.
• He was tall and slender with strong, sinewy arms from years of farm work.
• The old woman’s face was a roadmap of wrinkles that told the story of her long, well-lived life.
• The child had apple cheeks dotted with freckles and a button nose above a cupid’s bow mouth.
• His muscular physique rippled under a tight shirt that clung to his sculpted torso.
• She had alabaster skin with rosy cheeks and bow-shaped lips the color of ripe strawberries.
• He was thick around the middle with a round face and fingers like sausages.
• Her piercing green eyes shone like emeralds against her creamy complexion.
• The man had salt-and-pepper hair, bushy gray eyebrows, and a neatly trimmed beard.
• She was voluptuous with an hourglass figure, shapely legs, and elegant collarbone.
• He had broad shoulders and muscular arms covered in a light dusting of dark hair.
• Her glossy raven hair framed a heart-shaped face with captivating amber eyes.
• The child had a delicate build with skinny arms and legs like mini twigs.

Words for Character Traits

Moving beyond physical features, you can also describe someone’s personality using adjectives that define their character traits. Some examples include:

• Naive or passionate: Describing someone’s emotional qualities – “you are naive in your approach to new experiences” or “your passionate demeanor is inspiring.”
• Assertive or cheerful: Talking about a person’s disposition or demeanor – “your assertive personality helps you navigate tough situations” or “you have a cheerful and contagious energy.”
• Curious or dramatic: Describing a person’s behavioral tendencies – “you are curious about the world around you” or “your dramatic flair adds excitement to your stories.”
• Friendly or hysterical: Discussing someone’s sociability or reactions – “you are known for being friendly and approachable” or “your hysterical sense of humor always amuses your friends.”

Additionally, some other adjectives to describe one’s personality may include intelligent, jocular, lively, methodical, nasty, obnoxious, polite, and positive.

Tailoring your choice of words to the person’s specific traits creates a detailed and accurate representation.

Remember, as a writer, you should use a confident, knowledgeable, neutral, and clear tone to describe appearance and personality. Writing in the second person point of view helps the reader connect more personally with the descriptions.

Describing Words by Tone

When it comes to describing words, tone plays a crucial role in conveying the intended message. The tone you choose can greatly impact the perception of your writing and how your audience interprets it. In this section, we’ll explore positive and negative describing words to help you choose the right words to suit your purpose.

Positive Words

Positive words are adjectives that evoke a sense of optimism, happiness, and enthusiasm. Using these words in your writing can create a favorable impression, making your reader feel more engaged and receptive to your message. Some examples of positive tone words include:

• Encouraging

To make your writing more compelling, try incorporating these positive tone words to create an uplifting atmosphere. For instance, you could describe someone as having a “ radiant smile” or a “ warm personality.”

Negative Words

On the other hand, negative words are adjectives that convey a sense of pessimism, sadness, and anger. These words can be used when your goal is to express criticism, concern, or disappointment. Examples of negative tone words include:

To create a more critical tone, use negative tone words to emphasize the seriousness of the situation or the shortcomings of a subject. For example, you might describe a work environment as “ toxic ” or a character as “ abrasive .”

In summary, the tone of your writing can greatly influence how your message is perceived. By choosing appropriate positive or negative describing words, you can convey your ideas with confidence and clarity while engaging your readers effectively.

Always consider your audience and purpose when selecting the right tone for your writing.

Describing Words by Sensory Categories

In this section, we will explore different sensory categories of describing words, which are essential to make your writing vivid and engaging. Using adjectives and sensory words effectively can significantly improve the quality and clarity of your descriptions.

Visual Describing Words

Visual describing words help you to create a clear mental image of an object, person, or scene. These adjectives often involve color, shape, or size. Some examples include:

• Beautiful: a visually pleasing appearance
• Dark: a lack of light or a deep color
• Angular: having sharp angles or edges
• Billowy: resembling or characterized by waves or undulations

Auditory Describing Words

Auditory describing words convey the sounds that you experience. These words can describe the volume, pitch, and quality of a sound. Examples of auditory describing words are:

• Loud: a sound that is strong or easily heard
• Soft: a sound that is gentle or quiet
• Melodious: a pleasant or harmonious sound
• Grating: a harsh, rasping, or irritating sound

Taste Describing Words

Taste describing words help you to communicate the flavors and textures of food or drink. They can range from delicious to bitter and from cold to hot. Some examples of taste describing words include:

• Delicious: having a very pleasing taste
• Rich: a strong and full flavor, often associated with high-quality ingredients
• Bitter: a sharp and pungent taste, like black coffee or dark chocolate
• Spicy: a taste that creates a sensation of heat in your mouth

Touch Describing Words

Touch describing words relate to the tactile sensations that you feel while touching an object or surface. Examples of touch describing words are:

• Cold: an object that is at a low or cool temperature
• Hot: an object that is at a high or warm temperature
• Smooth: an even and uniform surface with no irregularities
• Rough: a surface that is uneven, jagged, or abrasive

Smell Describing Words

Smell describing words help you to describe the aromas and scents that you experience. These words can range from fresh to pungent and from sweet to musty. Some examples of smell describing words include:

• Fragrant: a pleasant and sweet scent
• Pungent: a strong, sharp, or overpowering smell
• Musty: a stale, moldy, or damp odor
• Fresh: a clean, crisp, or invigorating scent

By incorporating these sensory categories into your writing, you can create vivid and engaging descriptions that resonate with your readers. Remember to choose your describing words carefully and make sure they are appropriate for the context. Don’t be afraid to experiment with various adjectives to find the ones that best convey your intended meaning.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are common describing words for people.

People can be described using various adjectives, which are words that describe their qualities, appearance, or character. Common examples include “tall,” “short,” “friendly,” “intelligent,” “charming,” and “hardworking.” You can also use adverbs to describe how people do things, such as “quickly,” “efficiently,” or “gracefully.”

How can I find synonyms for describing words?

To find synonyms for describing words, you can use an online thesaurus or a dictionary that provides synonyms along with definitions. These resources can help you expand your vocabulary and find alternative words to convey similar meanings. Try tools like Thesaurus.com or Merriam-Webster for comprehensive synonym options.

What are some powerful descriptive words?

Powerful descriptive words are those that evoke strong emotions or vivid imagery. Examples include “majestic,” “exhilarating,” “luxurious,” “enigmatic,” and “captivating.” These words can enhance your writing and help create a more engaging experience for the reader.

How can kids learn describing words?

Children can learn describing words through reading, games, and activities that encourage them to explore and use adjectives in their writing and speech. Teachers and parents can help by providing examples, offering feedback, and integrating descriptive words into daily conversations. Additionally, there are online resources and books that focus on teaching describing words to kids.

Can you give examples of descriptive words in sentences?

Certainly! Here are a few examples:

• The scorching sun beat down on the parched desert landscape.
• She laughed boisterously as she splashed water on her friends at the pool party.
• The intricate pattern on the antique vase caught everyone’s attention.
• The sumptuous meal left the guests feeling satisfied and content .

In these sentences, the italicized words are descriptive words that help paint a clearer picture of the scene or emotion.

Which describing words are used in creative writing?

Creative writing often employs a variety of descriptive words to evoke emotions, build imagery, and engage the reader’s senses. Some common describing words used in creative writing include “luminous,” “whisper,” “tantalizing,” “resilient,” and “melancholy.” The choice of descriptive words depends on the context, style, and purpose of the piece, so it’s essential to consider which words best enhance your writing while effectively conveying your intended message.

Dialogue words: Other words for ‘said’ (and what to avoid)

Writing effective, compelling dialogue has multiple elements. It’s not only what characters say but how they say it that matters. Read other words for said as well as tips for keeping your dialogue natural and engrossing:

• Post author By Jordan
• 438 Comments on Dialogue words: Other words for ‘said’ (and what to avoid)

What is a ‘dialogue tag’ (or speech tag)?

Tags (like name tags) identify.

In written conversation or a piece of dialogue, a tag is a group of words following quoted speech (e.g. ‘she said’). It identifies who spoke and/or the tone or emotion behind their speech. Words for ‘said’ may show or suggest:

• Volume (e.g. yelled, shouted, bellowed, screamed, whispered)
• Tone or pitch (e.g. shrieked, groaned, squeaked)
• Emotion (e.g. grumbled, snapped, sneered, begged)
• Intent (e.g. suggested, asked, demanded)

The connotations of dialogue tags are important. It would be strange, for example, for a character to ‘sneer’ the words ‘I love you’, since the word ‘sneer’ connotes contempt rather than affection. Unless their words ran counter to how they truly felt. Even then, this would maybe need additional, clarifying narration.

Given that there are countless verbs that can take the place of ‘said,’ should you simply find a stronger, more emotive one and use that?

Not always. ‘He said’ and ‘she said’ are often preferable because they do not draw the reader’s attention to the fact they are reading written dialogue. They let characters’ words do the emoting. ‘Said’ is the most common dialogue tag. 

Read more in our complete guide to dialogue . Here are some tips for using dialogue tags such as said and synonyms for said well:

How to use said and its synonyms well:

• Use all dialogue tags sparingly
• Use said or other tags only where necessary
• Show how people speak using action and gesture

1. Use all dialogue tags sparingly

The problem with dialogue tags is they draw attention to the author’s hand. The more we read ‘he said’ and ‘she said’, the more we’re aware of the author creating the dialogue.

Novel writing coach Romy Sommer says of dialogue:

Keep it as tight as possible, and move as quickly as possible into the purpose of the conversation. Romy Sommer in ‘Writing dialogue: What to avoid’, webinar preview here.

Whenever you read the author attributing who said what, it reminds us a narrative convention is being used.

Compare these two versions of the same conversation:

“I told you already,” I said, glaring. “Well I wasn’t listening, was I!” he said. “Apparently not,” he replied.

Now compare this to the following:

I glared at him. “I told you already.”   “Well I wasn’t listening, was I!”   “Apparently not.”

For some authors, it’s a matter of stylistic preference.

Even so, it’s hard to argue that the first version is better than the second. In the second, making glaring an action rather than tethering it to the dialogue gives us a stronger sense of the scene. A stronger sense of dialogue’s ‘back and forth’.

Because it’s clear the glaring first-person ‘I’ is the character speaking at first, we don’t need to add ‘I said’. The strength of the exclamation mark in the second character’s reply makes any dialogue tag showing emotion (e.g. ‘he snapped’) unnecessary. Because it’s on a new line, and responds to what the other said, we know it’s a reply from context.

Similarly, in the first speaker’s retort, we don’t need a tag telling us his tone (that it’s curt, sarcastic, or hostile). The brevity, the fact it’s only two words, conveys his tone. We can infer the character is still mad.

Using dialogue tags sparingly allows your reader the pleasure of inferring and imagining. Tweet This

Using dialogue tags sparingly allows your reader the pleasure of inferring and imagining. Keep in mind that they do have a purpose in writing, and often can be used to break up long lines of dialogue. 

The reader gets to fill in the blank spaces, prompted more subtly by the clues you leave (an exclamation mark or a pointed, cross remark).

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2. Use said or other tags only where necessary

The word ‘said’, like ‘asked’, does not tell you anything about the emotion behind a character’s words. Often, this is preferable, letting the character’s emotion or tone show in their precise choice of words, phrasing, movement (more on this below) or gestures.

In conversation between characters, alternatives for said can tell the reader:

• The individual emotional or mental states of the conversants
• The degree of conflict or ease in the conversation
• What the relationship is like between characters (for example, if one character always snaps at the other this will show that the character is short-tempered and perhaps unkind towards the other)

Here are dialogue words you can use instead of ‘said’, categorised by the kind of emotion or scenario they convey:

Shouted, bellowed, yelled, snapped, cautioned, rebuked.

Consoled, comforted, reassured, admired, soothed.

Excitement:

Shouted, yelled, babbled, gushed, exclaimed.

Whispered, stuttered, stammered, gasped, urged, hissed, babbled, blurted.

Determination:

Declared, insisted, maintained, commanded.

Sighed, murmured, gushed, laughed.

Cried, mumbled, sobbed, sighed, lamented.

Jabbed, sneered, rebuked, hissed, scolded, demanded, threatened, insinuated, spat, glowered.

Apologised, relented, agreed, reassured, placated, assented.

Teased, joked, laughed, chuckled, chortled, sniggered, tittered, guffawed, giggled, roared.

Storytelling:

Related, recounted, continued, emphasized, remembered, recalled, resumed, concluded.

Despite there being many other words for said, remember to use dialogue tags and ‘said’ synonyms only where necessary:

• Is it clear who’s speaking? (E.g. There are only two characters in the scene and the first to speak is clear). If yes, you don’t need a tag
• Too many tags make your dialogue start to feel like a compendium of emotive speech-verbs. Use colourful dialogue tags occasionally, for emphasis. They’re the salt and spice in dialogue, not the whole meal
• Use emotive dialogue tags for the peaks and valleys of a scene. If a character screams or declares every line, your reader may become irritated by the constant visibility of the author’s hand

Over at The Write Practice, Kellie McGann takes a look at dialogue tags and how to use them effectively in your writing.

3. Show how people speak using action and gesture

One problem we often see in beginners’ dialogue is that all the emotion is crammed into either spoken words or dialogue tags.

Characters who never move or gesture in dialogue may read a little like talking heads in jars (like the satirical preserved famous figures in the sci-fi comedy Futurama) .

Your characters likely do have bodies, so don’t be afraid to use them. Compare these examples:

“That’s not what you said yesterday,” she said, her voice implying she was retreating, withdrawing. “Well I hadn’t thought about it yet. The truth is now that I’ve had time I see that maybe it’s not going to work out. But let’s not be hasty,” he said, clearly wanting to control her retreat, too.

Now compare:

“That’s not what you said yesterday…” She hesitated, turned and walked to the window. “Well I hadn’t thought about it yet.” He stepped closer. “The truth is now that I’ve had time I see that maybe it’s not going to work out. But let’s not be hasty.” He placed his hand on the small of her back.

In the second example, the actual dialogue is interspersed with setting. How the characters engage with the setting (the woman turning to face the window, for example) reveals their emotions mid-dialogue.

These are also termed ‘action beats’: a short sentence that describes what the character is doing. They can occur before, during, or after an exchange between characters. 

Movement and gesture conveys similar feelings to the first dialogue example. Yet there’s a clearer sense of proximity and distance, of two characters dancing around each other’s words, thoughts, feelings and personal space. It is appropriate too, to the situation (the end of an intimate relationship).

Vary the way you show who’s speaking in your dialogue. Use emotive other words for said to season characters’ conversations. Yet seasoning shouldn’t overpower substance. Use the content of what characters say, their movement, body language, pauses, and silences, to create deeper, more layered exchanges .

Join a concise, self-study four-week course to learn how to write dialogue that builds character and plot without needing 500 words for said.

Related Posts:

• Choosing description words: 10 questions to ask
• How many words are in a novel? Finding the right book length
• Adjectives for description: 60 precise words
• Tags alternatives for said , dialogue tags , dialogue words , writing dialogue

Jordan is a writer, editor, community manager and product developer. He received his BA Honours in English Literature and his undergraduate in English Literature and Music from the University of Cape Town.

438 replies on “Dialogue words: Other words for ‘said’ (and what to avoid)”

Sorry. This is totally wrong. Said and asked disappear in the readers mind. Adding synonyms to those brings the reader out of the narrative. Everything I’ve read on dialogue states not to do this. Make the dialogue show what the character is saying. Or have the character do something. “It’s just that.” He shoved his hands in his pockets. “We’ve been fighting a lot.”

It may be a differnent teaching in other countries, but here in the states every book I’ve read says to only use said. And ask where appropriate.

Like every single bit of writing advice that tells you to ALWAYS do x or NEVER do y it needs to be taken in moderation. There are times when it is appropriate to use something other than said or asked, much of the time it is not. The trick is learning to recognize those times.

Yes, the trick is to choose the best possible way to get the meaning across to the reader while considering genre expectations and not relying on any one technique or repeating too much. Don’t be afraid to break rules and don’t ignore them completely either.

That’s spot-on, Conrad. The way dialogue is crafted should fall naturally on the ear since it is mimicking speech and sometimes tags are a distraction which is why many authors do away with them entirely and use actions more, as Alice suggested. It’s interesting how everyone has such a strong opinion on this subject. If you are going to use tags at all, it is useful to be aware of the many alternatives and the subtle and not-so-subtle connotations they carry, at least.

I have to agree with you, Alice, and thanks for pointing that out. Reading all of those different attributions (chortled, shouted, exclaimed, replied, inquired, ejaculated, etc.) in a text makes me close the book and pick up another. It’s such a distraction from the forward momentum of the story. Furthermore, the problem is exactly that using these other attributions constitutes TELLING, which is just the opposite of the “show, don’t tell” rule of reader engagement.

And agreed with Conrad, as well, that everything must be taken in moderation, but the ultimate goal of every rule (or of breaking a rule) has to be keeping the reader engaged in the story. The first second the reader disengages from the story, you should have followed that rule (or not broken it in the first place). Attributions like these cause me to disengage from any writing.

Thanks for raising those points, Eleanore. Sometimes telling is useful and even necessary (as Ursula K. Le Guin argues in an interesting article on her personal website) but you’re right that dialogue tags, if used excessively (and for some readers, at all) can be a deterrent. A lot depends on frequency of use, genre (some genres are more amenable to dialogue tags than others) and so on.

Thanks for your reply! I have to admit that after having posted my thoughts yesterday, I remembered that when I’m reading books written by authors like Austen and Dickens, I don’t mind the varied attributions so much. Somehow, stylistically, things like “ejaculated” and “replied” and “murmured” seem to fit better in that kind of historical, sweeping literary style.

I did have another thought on the subject, in general. As a freelance editor for fiction writers, I’ve seen a lot of the use of words like “sighed” and “laughed” and “chuckled” (etc.) in dialogue (e.g., “I can’t understand it,” she sighed). Those words in particular drive me crazy. Has anyone ever actually tried to “chuckle” speech? Or “sigh” words? You can sigh before or after speaking, but not as speech. Similarly, you can laugh before, in the middle of, or after having spoken, but you can’t laugh speech. Perhaps it’s more those attributions to which I find myself *really* objecting! 🙂

Hi Alice – thanks for contributing a different viewpoint. I think it’s more a question of repetition perhaps – after the tenth ‘asked’ or ‘said’ in a scene, it starts to stand out and become a little tedious for some. Many literary writers do away with dialogue tags entirely, possibly partly for this reason, relying on context and the reader’s interpretation of other markers (e.g. characters’ differing personalities and ways of expressing themselves) to work out who is saying what. You’re right that actions are excellent for subtly conveying tone and emotion. A lot does depend on the genre and the age of the intended audience, as younger readers might not have quite as variegated perception of what these different bodily gestures suggest.

Thanks for stimulating debate on this subject. It’s quite a subjective topic.

I agree with Alice. I once read a book in which the author used every word BUT “said” and “asked”… and I *hated* that book. The writing came off as amateur, and it seemed as though the author had done this just to sound smarter. Ironically, in most cases, the tag didn’t even make sense, because it didn’t actually have anything to do with vocalization, nor do many of the suggestions above. And it’s true — words like this detract from the dialogue… Because that’s all I remember about the book are those horrible tags. This is, in my opinion, lazy writing. There are much stronger ways to convey what a person is thinking, doing, feeling, etc.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the subject, Krysten. It is a fine line between using dialogue tags in places to avoid ambiguity of expression and overusing them and coming across amateurish, as you say. Alice’s suggestion of using actions instead of tags is another discussion but is a very effective way to keep the author’s presence in the text less obtrusive.

yeah, I agree with the others. I don’t think this is great advice. Favoring colorful alternatives to ‘said’ and ‘asked’ is just distracting and comes off as amateurish in my opinion. What trumps everything is clarity in the reader’s mind. Don’t use ‘said’ and then go on to describe how the character pounded the desk and his words echoed until they rang in everyone’s ears–use ‘shouted’. But for heaven’s sake, don’t use words like mused, sighed, and cajoled just for the sake of changing it up and keeping it fresh. I don’t think there’s a great risk of word fatigue if you use ‘said’. Better yet, use nothing at all if you can get away with it.

Good advice, Matt. It does depend (as you say) on whether using a dialogue tag will avoid unnecessary and cliched action description or whether it is better to make actions or simple word choice convey the shifting emotions, tensions and resolutions in a piece of dialogue. I think avoiding ‘gimmicky’ use of any device or technique is always wise. Thanks for contributing your perspective to the discussion.

You don’t need to use “asked” because if the dialogue ends with a question mark, it’s obvious. I agree with Alice on this. “Said” disappears for the reader, whereas “grumbled,” etc. jumps out. Let the dialogue and action show the character’s state of mind. Tags help the reader keep straight who is talking if there are multiple people in the scene. But you can do away with many of them by just using action instead of the word “said.”

You both raise a good point, Diane. Dialogue tags are definitely controversial. As always, it’s up to the writer to do as she (or he) feels is best. There will be readers who like emphatic dialogue tags and readers who loathe them. A lot depends on genre, but you’re right that they can draw too much attention to the construction/craftedness of the text.

Also, it’s not necessary to use a dialogue tag after every line of dialogue. Once the writer has set up who is speaking, she can skip several lines of dialogue before adding another tag, which at that point can be action. There’s a fine balance between too many tags and too few.

You’re right there. A lot of this is a matter of balance. Dialogue is something where many trip up because it’s a constant measuring and deciding between getting the natural patterns of speech right (so that the reader’s ear doesn’t vehemently disagree) and making choices around the fact that it is given to the reader textually, not aurally.

The magic of using said is that it doesn’t jump out at the reader. Writers who use a wide variety of dialog tags feel like they are trying too hard.

Good point, Jeri! I’m loving the spirited debate everyone is having here. Of course everything should be used in moderation, and I think there are certain genres where colourful dialogue tags are more the norm (and norms must of course be questioned and examined) than others. Thanks for your perspective.

I’m glad to see someone finally come out against the fallacy that “said/asked” are better because they “disappear” in the test and don’t “jolt” the reader. After years of only using beats (which take up much more space) or inserting descriptions of tone while desperately trying not to be cliche, I’ve found that bookisms and adverbs get the correct intent across with a minimum of words or fuss. The tag “he asked sharply” will not jolt the reader. It will allow the reader to picture and hear the scene correctly — and enjoy the novel more. Great post!

Thank you, Lexa. Glad you enjoyed reading it. I like that everyone commenting has strong feelings one way or the other on the topic of dialogue tags. I think it all depends on genre. Definitely in more ‘literary’ fiction obtrusive dialogue tags are less common. I think they can richness, especially for younger readers. So much depends on audience.

I was taught the opposite. Most craft books I’ve read say “said” is invisible, while “fancy tags” call attention to themselves. So we’re supposed to use such devices sparingly, only when the way things are said isn’t implicit in the words or context. Some (Elmore Leonard) go even further, and claim no tag but said should EVER be used, which seems excessive in the other direction. I was also taught that tags that can’t actually be spoken, like “stormed” or “coughed” are signs of amateur writing.

Having said this, I think “florid” tags can work for some voices or styles. I don’t think Douglas Adams’s Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy would have been as as funny without its “gushing” doors and “opining” androids.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts, E.L. You’re right that tags that can’t be said or voiced in some way are not ideal. At the same time you’re also right that it’s a stylistic/genre matter. A lot of fantasy writers (particularly those writing for YA/middle school audiences) use more florid, as you say, tags. A lot is down to taste, but there are some (ab)uses that are more commonly disliked than others.

Great series – Douglas Adams is hilarious.

Thanks, Bridget for this update.Certainly, the speech about the couple as has been rewritten in the update comes across as very well written. It beats the other two. It has the quality of clarity as it is more vivid. Of course, it is also more interesting. I’ll go for this style any day.

It’s a pleasure. Thank you for contributing your perspective, Ohita.

I been reading your “dialogues” post. I write in spanish. And for be honest, the advise we receive from people is used “said” not particullary another words. Why? the reason they explaine is when you write “he asked, he questioned, he explained… etc., people made a kind of stop, because is habituated to read “said” as a common word, and this turns “invisible” and people can read easy; use a different word can be a extra efford from the author to “look smart”. (They says). For me, that explanation does not have to much sense. For me, if a word is necessary, you must to used it, but not just to “delete/change” the words “said/asked/answered”. And you can explaine with another words which character is doing. For me, if you read words (dialogue), is because someone is speaking…

I guess the rules are different between spanish and english writing style. I tried do not use just Said/asked when a character talks. But some word in spanish are not so common to use as: “replicar” (replay) “expresar” (express). In this case, in spanish is not “good way to write” when you “reconfirm” a statement (?). “When?”, he asked. “Tomorrow”, she answered. In those cases, you even can omit the words asked/said. For that, this point is really interesting for me, see the difference in the style in both lenguages. In spanish, if you wanted express something, just take off the obvious thing, and the example dialogue can turns in: “When?”, he mused. “Tomorrow”, she complained and walked away.

Its good see another point of view.

The varation on traslated book, can defines, why in our spanish “original english books” are so different. But, the fact I learn is when you write, you must to use the balance, the dialogues are great if you use the right words, do it too much “florid” if is a neutral narrator, can be a desaster, as if you use a “plain” (said) if the narrator is a erudit, first witness narrator. For me, each narrator will ask always a good balance, not ignore or abuse with some particular words.

P.S.: Sorry for my english mistakes, is not my mother lenguage.

Thank you for this detailed input – it’s interesting to hear your perspective as a Spanish speaker. You’re right that the dialogue tag is better omitted in instances such as your example, of course. Tags aren’t usually necessary when it’s clear who is speaking and the tone/feeling behind their words.

this is so helpful…..Jupiter Thanks

It’s a pleasure! Thanks for reading.

in a novel im working on I wanted some good words for awnsering questions that another character asked. I noticed there was only persisted. Am I missing something? If not what are some good words to use in my situation.

Hi SC. It depends on the nature of the conversation. If the character asks a silly question, you could use ‘scoffed’ or ‘laughed’ for the reply. If you want to create a little awkwardness (say, for example, the questioning character is being too probing/personal), you could use ‘she paused’ or ‘she hesitated’ (more a descriptor of the flow of conversation than explicit statement of how the character is speaking). I hope these give you some ideas!

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Great!!!Helped me a lot

Thanks, Nishanth. Glad to hear it. Thanks for reading.

Thanks a bunch! It helped me a lot with a story I have to pass to my teacher and she was delighted of my work! You’re the best!

It’s a pleasure, Immawi.

This is fantastic!

Thanks, Detective! Feel free to share it.

Okay, I will. C: Btw, I Make Stories Feel free to read! ^-^ Here the link: https://www.wattpad.com/story/126989834-the-final-journey-to-detective-conan

same here but I’m just a beginner lol…check my stories out https://www.wattpad.com/user/Gibby_The_Gibster

Lol, same. I’m beginner; you know what it means? I’m getting stupid.

Why did you say you are getting stupid?

I’m the worst…People at my school called me a stupid kid, four eyes asshole, that loser who is obsessed with stupid kiddy (anime) shows, and that guy is the worst writing in the planet, tell him that go home and kill yourself…

I don’t know who am I anymore… 🙁

look do you enjoy writing and do YOU think your good at it

But…My grammar mistakes… https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/d42a4b365a483e2437b21c4f7dcf9dbb2cdf8339c7e4f4eadbdb30f865803a20.gif

It’s ok I’m writing my first book (not for publish yet) and I made so many grammar mistakes. Just keep practicing and you’ll do great at it!

heck even i have grammerly humans make mistakes its why the backspace button exists

True…

I feel bad for you. At my school, most people accept me for being a person that likes anime (or not a lot who complains about it). I also have lots of friends also who like anime and lots who aren’t a fan. I guess I got lucky with my location. Hope you find others who share the same interest as you. But I reckon you can use your experience to write a book as a good book relies on the author’s experience.

Your lucky… ;-;

Don’t worry, the world is a big place. Sooner or later you’ll meet some1 with the same interest.

Maybe….Maybe in seven years or ten years…

Better than never.

Jesus your book is good, im making one at the moment, wow

yep, it is very good and… creative that’s how you describe it

right there with you

love the little anime girl thing

no u is good writer i read your recent release its great

don’t fell that way I watch Poke’mon and beyblade all the time

man, I cried when I read that. My Narrative has Miku Hatsune in it( don’t know if I spelled that right, though) LOL

They’re just dumb kids who probably can’t write a paragraph as good as ur stories. Plus, 4 eyes is better than 2

I knew there were people who used this to write on wattpad. I love wattpad to be honest, I’m writing a story as well. Although my story aren’t being published because I’m not comfortable yet. Good luck with your story! uwu

I’m in the same situation as you. Wattpad is amazing. I’m also writing a story but I don’t have enough confidence to post it yet. I get petrified when someone says something really bad about my things. I’m sure every will feel bad when someone does that, so make sure you only post nice comments and appropriate feedback. ^-^

Dude I’m in the same boat with you. And I agree

Hey you guys, I’m a Wattpad author myself, and I just reached my 20 followers point, actually 🙂 You shouldn’t be afraid of the haters, let them say what they want to say! I bet half of them couldn’t even work up the courage to write anything at all! Wattpad is a friendly community of people, there’s only a few haters. Most people will encourage you to follow your passion! And it’s no big deal if you’re just not comfortable, though I’m sure it’s more amazing than you take credit for 😀

P.S. Gods, I really don’t want to sound like I’m advertising, but my user is @Awesomeandscary123 if y’all are interested in reading my works. Always up to you, though 🙂

What I am doing is writing the full story and then publishing it all at once so that my readers don’t have to wait and wait for another chapter.

I don’t agree with your advice. Said is often used because it’s unobstrubsive, so that the reader will focus more on the dialogue.

Thank you for the feedback, Iva. It is a a contentious topic, but you’re right about ‘said’ being less obtrusive. Often no dialogue tag at all is even less obtrusive, however, as often the reader can infer from speech marks and context who is speaking, making it unnecessary to use ‘said’. Yet everyone has their preferences. Essentially the advice is not to use ‘growled’ or ‘whispered’ every other line. Thank you for weighing in.

thanks it was a good website

Thank you, Maeve. Good luck with your writing.

helped me so much my teacher said my narrative wasn’t boing 🙂 thank you so much

I’m so glad to hear that, Anna. I’m sure you deserve all credit for that.

“Dude I love this it helps so much” admired Deamyn

Thanks, Daemyn. I’m glad you found the suggestions helpful.

thank you, my teacher doesn’t allow the usage of ‘said’ every time someone speaks. So now my writing is fantastic thanks to this article. So, again thank you so very much. 🙂

That’s great to hear. Sounds as though your teacher has the right idea. It’s a pleasure!

These words are great, but I can’t really find any words for people/things that are just talking in a normal tone, without much expression.

Hi Asgore – that’s where a simple ‘said’ here and there where tags are necessary would be good. My advice would be to put some expression in all the same, as if there’s no expressive quality at all to the dialogue the characters could seem strangely uninterested in the conversation at hand. You can also focus more on their surrounds or movements if these elements show more of the scene’s tone and mood or purpose than the conversation itself. Hope that helps!

Thank you so much!!

It’s a pleasure, I’m glad you found this helpful.

I’m so glad I came across this! I found it very helpful, and it was exactly what I was looking for!

I’m really happy to hear that, Nona. Good luck in your writing.

Very helpful, ive lost count as to how many times ive refered to this while writing my novel. Thank you so much

Thanks, Magnet. I’m glad you’re motivated and working on your novel. Keep going.

Very nice! I plan on using this for stories and papers I write. I find the way I describe dialogue is often bland and boring; I hope this makes it more interesting.

Thank you, good luck for your next story or paper!

Regarding dialogue tags: This is exactly the opposite of the advice most editors will give you when you’re publishing your novel. In fact, when I published my first novel, my editors made me go back through my entire manuscript and weed out all of these kinds of words and replace them with “said” and “asked” in almost every instance. Said and asked are the words you should use most of the time. Alternate words like the ones you listed above should be used sparingly, unless there is a good reason (i.e. whispering, etc). However, I do agree with your points about action and gesture, generally.

hmmm, interesting…

Genre and market do come into the equation too. For example, YA readers might be more forgiving (as they were of J.K. Rowling) of ‘fruitier’ dialogue tags 🙂 It depends on a number of factors but I prefer the minimalist approach myself and using gesture and staging more to attribute dialogue than tags, personally. There’s never a ‘one size fits all approach’ so it all depends. Thanks for reading and engaging!

Dude, you really ruined the fun. Boi, just Boi!

This was very helpful! I always found ‘said’ so bland and boring, I realised I mentioned that word way too often in my writings (As well as Responded,Replied etc.) I plan on using these tips 🙂

You can use said for the halfway- beginning, but then you can use the other more advanced words, it will make your story more interesting and more suprising. At first, they’ll probably think your a not-so-good writer, then you can show them you are one. Note : This is just an advice.

hi guys from my classroom

I use this all the time when I create stories with Wattpad. It really helps! In fact I think I’m getting used to these, so now I can memorize these words! Thank you.

It’s a pleasure! Thank you for reading our blog.

thank you so much!!

It’s a pleasure, MK. Thanks for reading!

I bet you that you are here bc of an ff. I know this because I am doing the same.

hahaha same

Why’d you expose me like that haha

I’m writing a zombie story on Wattpad. My account is KingKawaiiKiwi, if you search it in the Wattpad search bar, you’ll find my vampire story (which I just might discontinue) and my new zombie apocalypse story.

This is really useful thank you I use it with every story 🙂 I love it

It’s a pleasure, Jan. Glad you enjoyed this.

Thank you so much, this helped me to improve my writing.

That’s great, Matthew. Keep writing!

This is great and I totally agree. I have always found it hard when reading to know who is saying what until after they have said it, which just takes you away from the moment.

You’re right about that, Mandy – so important it’s clear to the reader who’s speaking so they don’t get distracted from the content of the dialogue itself.

Yes. Great point. And thanks for your information it is great.

Thank you so much, was a great website helped a lot with my assignments. My teacher was astound with my work.

That’s fantastic to hear, Susan. Good luck with your studies further! Thanks for reading.

you put agreed in the Making up twice.

Great catch, Leo, thanks! Nobody’s immune to mistakes. That’s been corrected.

Thank you so much. It is so simple and easy to apply. Sometimes I hit a roadblock trying to explain my characters’ feelings at certain moments. This is so helpful.

I’m glad to hear that, Kgomotso! Good luck with your story 🙂

I agree with using tags sparingly, strongly disagree with using the “said” tag more sparingly than others. The word itself may not add color or personality, but that’s the dialogue’s job.

Thank you for this feedback! It’s not that the ‘said’ tag should be used more sparingly than others necessarily but rather that you don’t have to attribute every line. For example:

Cara saw her mother was limping up the driveway. ‘What the heck happened, mom?’ ‘Fell down the stairs at gym… don’t laugh!’

Here you don’t need ‘Cara said’ or ‘her mom said’ because the first line of narration sets up the context for each character’s words. So ‘said’ should be used more where there’s possible ambiguity regarding who spoke. I hope that clarifies a little 🙂

Thanks so much for this! Really helped when writing my novel!!

I was typing an assignment and this really helped 🙂

Thank you so much.

It’s a pleasure, thank you for reading 🙂

Very helpful, kept me from being dull or overly expressive

I’m glad to hear that 🙂

“Thank you so much” Nicholas applauded. ” I am writing a story WRITE now! The main characters name is Kane.” He continued. “Oh! Here he is! He’s a little shy, being a werewolf and all.” Nic exclaimed

“NIC!” Kane was surprised at his mess up. “You can’t just tell everyone! But… erm, thank you…” Kane nervously thanked.

“And guess what!” Nic proclaimed “I’m only a middle schooler!”

Hi WolfyBoi, that’s quite a few dialogue tags! I’d particularly advise against using an adverb ending ‘ly’ plus a verb, as that really draws attention to the tag and the ‘writtenness’ of the speech. You could use a gesture to show Kane’s nerves instead, e.g. ‘Kane fidgeted at his desk.’ Keep writing 🙂

Thank you, I really appreciate your reply. My book is much further along than it was 3 months ago. I have this website to thank. I recently got into dnd and I couldn’t help but add him to the story. However, I am switching between medieval fantasy, and modern fantasy, tunic vs hoodie amiright? What do you think I should do to help decide? Thank you.

Hi Wolfy, it’s a pleasure. I’m glad to hear you’ve made progress in this time 🙂 Take my opinion with a grain of salt, but I would personally go with modern (medieval is such a saturated market with the likes of GoT and other big series). At the same time, readers still love dragons, warriors and all things mythological, so it depends. My hunch is modern but go with which era you feel most excited about, I’d say. The advantage of modern is it’s easier to create a niche that’s all your own (because it doesn’t have as many standard elements/tropes).

helped, thanks

it needs some for curiosity

OMG!!! This is amazing! Now I don’t have to get stucked when i’m writing my short story for ELA. thank you so much!!!

It’s a pleasure, Vivian. Good luck with ELA!

Me when im typing my essay https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/a8e595d23e040d52ccf86d6b93c03e018101916392cf7c381acd1b57473b1f52.jpg

OMG. I was in such a bind before I found this! Seriously, I was like, “I can’t keep making people interrupt and drop the phone every time they finish talkling.” LOL You… Just rescued me from hell in the third chapter of my favorite movie of all time!

I LOVE YOU!

I’m glad to hear that, and you’re right – variety (coupled with good sense and taste and moderation) is key.

Thank you, I’m really bad at coming up with different words, and this has helped me a whale load. 😀 😀 😀 😀 😀 😀 😀 😀

I just realized it is called “dialogue tags”. Thank you so much.

It’s a pleasure, Johnny! Yup, that’s the technical term 🙂

Do you have list of different ways to say “asked” like you did here for “said”?

Because My struggle is my main words are asked, questioned, wondered, inquired . So yeah. I guess I’m asking for more colorful words for that.

What you have for “said” is helpful 🙂

Hi Brad, thank you for your question! ‘Asked’ is probably best (using ‘wondered’ as a tag might read strangely, especially in a conversation context, since ‘wondering’ is usually something we do to ourselves rather than in communicating with others). I’d say ‘asked’ is the most versatile, as you can imply the tone (e.g. one of wonder) in the actual words said. For example, wondering or incredulity: “Can you believe Miss A gave us all that homework!?” I asked Jay.’

I hope that helps!

You saved my life! I write fanfiction on Wattpad, I needed this! My Wattpad—> TheFoxInTheShadows

Hi Kitsune,

I’m glad to read that, good luck with your fanfiction!

Lmao me too My Wattpad—> Shuichis_Ahoge

I love this site! I use it every time I write a story!

Hi Blue, thank you! We’re glad we can help.

We’re glad to hear it, Blue. Thanks for visiting 🙂

A very handy guide, thank you.

It’s our pleasure, Jason. Thank you for reading our blog!

no worries.

This helped me a lot! i was having trouble with the dialogues in my story sounding a bit bland. Thank you.

Hi Colour! Thank you for reading it, we’re glad to have helped 🙂 Good luck with revising your story further.

what is a good word to used when like frustrated and stuff without saying said before it like, “You can’t have waffles!” Dad said , angrily or something?

Hi Lovealot, thanks for asking If the underlying emotion is irritability, ‘snapped’ is a common acceptable tag. Otherwise a simple ‘said’ is always a good neutral go-to, with the words themselves supplying tone. I hope this helps!

I feel like there should be more scenarios that involve more words to describe dialogue. Such as an intro, where the character says hello. Or instances that require a much larger vocabulary to describe what is happening, not every situation where you want comedy/humor should you say Teased, joked, laughed, chuckled, chortled, sniggered, tittered, guffawed, giggled, roared. Otherwise it’s a great place to expand your vocabulary and/or get advice to write a great story. Just a critique.

Hi SpartanISO, thanks for reading and sharing your critique, we’ll keep it in mind when we update this article. Happy writing 🙂

This really helped with my homework

I’m glad to hear that, Jaxson. Hope you get a good grade!

My teacher will be amazed

This really helped my Narrative fall into the right place, thank you! I really appreciate it you know!

is everyone here also writing a ff on wattpad too?

bish how tf you know lmaooo

o-o how tf do you know

I’ve been exposed

oof im here for school but i do write ffs

Well, not for an ff but it is on Wattpad. ?

me zara24567

I was about to. But I realized I could get copyrighted, so I decided to make an OG vampire story. It’s the second result when you search, The Vampire Experience.

Edit: First result

*Me writing an OG story on wattpad* -Well f*ck I’ve been exposed

ahhh how did you know? I’m writing a hp fanfic on wattpad

I am writing an Avengers ff on Wattpad, but I am using this for and ELA essay.

At my school, Wattpad is blocked on school internet filters, for “mature” and “forums.”

SAME! I’m writing a Loki one tho. If you’d be interested it’s called “Mirrors and Magic” my @ is @CrazyPerson4967.

Omg! your ff is so good! I love it!

I’m writing an avengers fanfic too haha. My account is APPOJUICE and the story is called ‘Winx Club’ if anyone wants to read

Good luck with your Avengers fanfic and your ELA essay! I hope you got top marks 🙂

Thank you so much! Every kind comment makes me want to write even more.

THATS LITERALLY *PRECICELY* WHAT IM DOING

I’m trying to write a Naruto fanfic UwU. I’m righting on Grammarly and getting words from here! my account name is called Nightshade_Kuro and the story is going to be named Someone Lost

lol actually I’m writing a short story (OG) just for me, but I might post it on wattpad when I’m done now that I think about it

Uhm…okay yes. But I’m also a published writer. I just happen to enjoy shooting writer’s block down with a powerful fanfic. I actually looked for this post since I’m writing in English which is clearly not my native language hahaha. Anyroad, best wishes to every single Wattpad writer here!! If you need me I’ll be word spinting in my account CeciliaPerazaArias 😛

i’m writing a life is strange 2 fic on wattpad. you caught me.

What’s the name? If you’re posting I’d read it

yep descendants one called the warriors son about Shan Yu’s son, this site is actually really helpful

I just need this for my ELA class XD

Hope you ace your class, Temmoo 🙂

this did not help much but i got a little bit out of it

I´m making a book this is very helpful to me because I´m only 12

I’m glad to hear that, Shayla. Good luck with your book!

*smacks head on computer* i’m so stupid for not looking this up earlier XD

Anyone on this for Wattpad? My story is the second result when you search, The Vampire Experience. (Unfinished!)

Yep! Writing a OG book! Its -a night to myself- :3

Good luck with your book, Oliver 🙂

Good luck! What’s it called?

Edit: first result, but I’m writing 2 different books now, so I might just tag it as discontinued.

I didn’t know I need these tips up until this day :’0 thank you so much!

It’s a pleasure, Cactus. Thank you for reading our blog.

Thanks this really help for my wattpad story!

We’re happy to hear that, keep writing!

This is really helpful. I’m entering a writing contest, and this was amazing.

We’re glad to hear this, Sara! Good luck for your contest and thanks for reading our blog 🙂

*when you here to write a book but people are here to write fanfics*

Really helped with my writing! Thank you!

It’s a pleasure, Ally! Thank you for reading our blog 🙂

rewriting a ff i made in 2018,thanks 🙂

Really appreciative of this blog piece. I was trying to wrap my mind around descriptive emotions and this helps shatter my writer’s block. Thank you.

That’s lovely to hear, keep writing! 🙂 Thank you for reading our blog, too.

I’m writing because it’s fun when your fantasies come true even if it’s just words. This helped me a lot thanks 2020 here

Hi. I’m also a wattpad writer. I only started writing on wattpad recently but if you have a chance, would you please check out my story called: The Alpha, rejected his mate? My username is aaliyahisaas2003.

im writing a descendants oc fanfic about Shan Yu’s son called the Warriors son if anyone wants to read it this site really helps thans

I have just started writing because I have so many stories going on in my head and I knew it was time I put these fantasies into words. This blog really helped a bunch, especially as a young writer!

That’s awesome to hear, thank you Nic. When it’s time, it’s time 🙂

Thank you! I was looking for something like these to help me with my writing class. This is really going to be of great use from now on. Thanks!

It’s a pleasure, Johanna! Good luck with your class.

This was so helpful, I don’t know what I would have done without this extra information. I’m a Jr in high school and I ‘m writing a narrative and I’m tired of saying “He said”, “She said” it’s getting repetitive.

Hey Aries, that’s great to hear. It can be repetitive. Remember that when its clear who’s speaking (e.g. when one character already named in the scene replies to the only other character in the scene) you can leave them out. Have a good weekend.

omg me too, I’m writing a narrative right now and my teacher said she would take points off if we continuously said “he said, she said”

Hey thank you a lot I am doing a English paper right now and i needed a word for a determined person and I found it right here clear as day.

I’m glad to hear that, Remi! Good luck with your paper.

This is great! An amazing novel to read for this is Catch-22. Joseph Heller came up with about a million ways to say “said,” and it really helps you hear each character’s individual voice.

Thank you, Suzanne. Great recommendation.

Loved this so much 🙂 Perfect for me as I was writing a college essay and had some serious word block. Thank you so much

Hello Jordan This is awesome, but I didn’t find what I wanted I needed. It’s a different word for said and the context is leaving somewhere. Could you please tell me it. Thanks, Sherbek

Hi Sherbek,

Thank you. When you say ‘the context is leaving somewhere’, do you mean it’s a dialogue tag word indicating a character is leaving? I’d suggest using an action tag instead, e.g. “OK, sayonara, bye, whatever.” He made air quotes on ‘whatever’ and slouched out of the room, trying to look as hip and disinterested as possible.’

The benefit of an action tag is you can get quite specific about the way a person leaves. Saying ‘he farewelled’ or finding a similar way to squish a sense of departure into the dialogue tag would stick out and be less effective, for sure. I hope this is helpful.

These words were very helpful to me thank you so much you are a lifesaver!!

That’s great to hear, Via. Thanks for reading our blog.

This helped me so much! I’m in middle school and writing a story for my class and I didn’t know what else to say, so thank you!

I’m glad to hear that, Norah. Good luck for your class, I hope you get good feedback on your story.

Hey thanks for the help I’m 12 and I’m trying to write a novel about hell’s creatures invading a small town but i was tricky to think of elaborate words in the beginning

That sounds like a fun story scenario, Asher. I hope you’re finding it easier to find the right words.

It’s beneficial for my new fantasy novel, I’m a newbie writer, and I really had a hard time dialoguing. Thank you for this.

It’s a pleasure, Vywx. Good luck with your new fantasy novel!

Yea, super helpful! I’m in middle school and I needed better words other than ” I said. ” That was getting old.

That’s good to hear, Aarya. I’d say remember that ‘said’ can also be the least obtrusive option (or using action tags instead ).

This is extremely helpful, but I couldn’t find what I was looking for! I’m writing for school (and a little for fun) and I don’t know what to write. The quote is “Where are you going?” and it’s a child speaking respectfully to an elder. Do you think you might know what I’m looking for?

Hi Michael, thank you! I’m sorry you couldn’t find precisely what you’re looking for. Do you mean the quote is a prompt? If you’re trying to write a story based on that quote I’d suggest brainstorming about where the elder is going, and involving the child in the object of their departure (for example, are they coming back? Is the object of their departure something relating to the child, that they’re perhaps intending to do something for them?).

Here’s a blog post on finding ideas that may help!

When you use dialogue such as: he teased, he smirked or he laughed. Are these action beats with periods and capital H’s?

Great question, Connie. It would depend whether it is being used to describe the voice of the character immediately following speech or whether it comprises a separate action. Compare:

He teased her mercilessly, until she turned beet red. “I can’t believe you said Japan is larger than Australia in the quiz.”

This is an action tag, the action being complete in a sentence apart from the dialogue it characterizes.

Compare to:

“I can’t believe you said Japan is larger than Australia in the quiz,” he teased. Here, the teasing action serves as a dialogue tag as it’s describing the speech without being a separate sentence. You could also have:

“I can’t believe you said Japan is larger than Australia in the quiz.” He teased her mercilessly, until she turned beet red.

This is the same as the first action tag, of course, with the action simply coming after the dialogue. This would be incorrect:

“I can’t believe you said Japan is larger than Australia in the quiz.” He said [or teased].

Here the ‘he said’ is describing the manner of the man’s speech (you can see it more clearly than with ‘he teased’, as this could be a complete action fragment).

Dialogue tags should always have a comma preceding them as they’re part of the previous line. Just the same as you wouldn’t have ‘He ran. Fast heading for the train’ but ‘He ran fast, heading for the train’.

I hope this helps to clarify!

Thank you so much for this Jordan! I’m doing a retelling of a long movie. Over 10 pages I have forgotten to use more specific and more advanced vocabulary instead of “Said” or “Asked”

This helped me a lot so keep doing what you’re doing your good at it, you help thousands of kids like me! =)

Hi Nate, thank you, it’s a pleasure. That sounds a fun project. I’d add the caveat that ‘said’ is often the least obtrusive option. Action tags and making the content of the speech itself convey the feeling and character are other alternatives to using very exotic tags.

Good luck with your movie retelling!

Ooh thanks! I needed another word to convey sadness, and I found just the one!

This helped me alot, writing a book at a young age. Thank you and I wish everyone luck!!

I’m glad to hear that, Emma. Good luck to you, too!

This helped a lot, since I’m in middle school and had to write a story for school. Thanks!

It’s a pleasure, Anna! I hope you got the grade you wanted.

How do you come up with a good book name? Mine is Submerged…

Hi Emma, these ideas for brainstorming titles should help! Good luck.

This made writing easier for me. Thank you very much!

That’s great to hear, Rose. Thank you for reading our blog!

this really helped

Fantastic, Daniella. Thank you for reading our blog!

Thank you so much for this! Im writing a story in my middle school and my teacher always says “Said is Dead!” This helped me to get a good grade!

Hi Trixibelle, we’re always glad to help here. Congratulations on your good grade! Thank you for reading our articles.

Very helpful. Thank you, Jordan. Per Connie Parker’s question about “teased”, would “laughed” be treated the same way? I’m thinking it would, but I’ve had a couple of people tell me you can’t “laugh” dialogue. Do you agree?

Hi Keith, it’s a pleasure, thank you for reading. It’s a tricky one, since I would say you can laugh to a degree while speaking (or a laugh could interrupt your speech). Personally, I would lean more towards using an action tag and making the sense of amusement evident in the speaker’s words themselves. For example:

“You mean to say … he actually … seriously?” Laughing, unable to finish a sentence, she wiped her eyes and tried to suppress another fit of giggles.

Thanks for writing this article, it helped me greatly. I have a question. If I were to write an emotional ‘scene’, is is fine if I use a lot of different words than “said”? Or should I limit the amount of words that express emotion?

It’s a pleasure, Gillian. Great question.

I would say try to make the words being spoken themselves convey the bulk of the emotion, so that the tag doesn’t need to do that much ‘heavy lifting’. One could also use action tags to convey emotion, particularly loaded gestures. For example, “I’m not going!” She slammed the door so hard the crack snaking from the doorframe must have grown an inch. Varying devices will keep dialogue from sticking out as overly ‘written’, making the scene more immersive.

This helped a lot! I am in the middle of writing a book, but I have a little problem. Even though my problem isn’t associated with the topic of this blog, I wanted to ask: How can I make any battle scenes in my book seem more natural? I feel like I have been adding too many battle scenes that end too quickly.. (3 battle scenes throughout 13 pages) Can you maybe refer an article or give me advice?

I’m glad to hear that! You might find this article on writing fight scenes helpful. Thank you for reading our blog.

I was wondering what word you could use other than said to express happiness and sadness.

Hi Brianna,

Thank you for asking. I’d suggest making the words your character says happy or sad in themselves and then perhaps using an action tag (as adverbs can be weak in effect). For example:

“So I guess we can’t go to the beach this year?” She sat with her shoulders slumped, frowning.

Or “It’s so good to be here again.” She ran down to the shoreline, shrieking when an unexpected wave raced for her feet still in shoes and ran back laughing to where we had stood minutes before.

So putting the despondent or joyful tone into a mixture of tone and action will help to give your dialogue the overall emotional character. Think about how you can weave in setting too at times, so that dialogue also helps to describe where your characters are at this point in time while they converse.

LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOVE ITTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It is soooooo helpful

This was helpful for me again, Thank you for making this. This wants me to make more books.

I’m trying to find a word for said that expresses both confusion and shock but I can’t think of one

Hi Scarrlett, thank you for sharing that. Perhaps ‘gasped’? Also try to find the words in the dialogue that convey those emotions, and perhaps gestures too (e.g. a character suddenly turning their head with a frown on their face, or giving a reaction-based start. Good luck!

Great job, guys. Very helpful. Thank you, Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year in advance. Stay Safe

Hi Ben, thank you! A belated Merry Christmas to you too, and a Happy New Year. Stay safe and may 2021 bring many blessings and inspirations.

Dude, I’m writing a book right now, and you have no idea how much this helps

Hi Pulse, that’s great to hear. Good luck with your book!

Hi, I am writing an essay for school, but it has lots of dialogue. Do you know any words with like, a questionable tone but a suggestion. Thanks! (Ex. “Hmm, maybe we could make it using the other recipe?

Hi Malyiah, thank you for your question! What you’ve used there is good.

You could also use ellipses (e.g. “That went well … Maybe we could make it using the other recipe?”). Using ellipses to show someone thinking or to imply a pause can be used subtly with specific surrounding words to create a specific tone. For example, if a character has worn a questionable outfit to a formal event, you could use this to create a questioning/’shade-throwing’ tone: “I see you dressed … for the occasion.”

I hope this is helpful. You could also use action tags to show gestures or movements that suggest questioning (e.g. ‘She peered into the pot and gave her sister a doubtful look. “Maybe we could make it using the other recipe?”).

Helped a lot! was very useful. thank you!

Great, Pooja. Thank you for the feedback!

Thank you for making this webpage, it helps me a lot in school, My teachers like us to write paragraphs, with a lot of dialogue, this really helps out!

It’s a pleasure, Daisy! It’s good practice. I hope you do well in your next assignment.

I am making a story, and every now and then I have the character talk to him self, (e.g ‘since when has he listened to someone?’ Zenitsu thought.) What other word can I use other than thought?

Hi there! One great option is to use an action tag like you would in dialogue. For example ‘Since when have I listened to anyone?’ Zenitsu frowned. Or, ‘Since when have I listened to anyone?’ Zenitsu half turned, ready to storm out.

One thing to remember is it should be in first person rather than third (since a person would typically think in first person when referring to themslves). It’s also conventional practice to put thoughts (if it isn’t the character talking aloud) in italics, e.g. Since when have I listened to anyone? Zenitsu crossed his arms, preparing his argument.

I hope this helps! Keep writing 🙂

hello, I am making a prequel for a story but I am having trouble choosing words for dialogue for example “it’s fine I can give it to him,” she …………

Hi Donna, thank you for sharing that. In this case (and many others), a simple ‘said’ would suffice. Otherwise you could also use an action tag to show the speaker’s emotions or intent. For example:

“It’s fine, I can give it to him.” She reached her hand out for the folder.

I hope this helps!

How would describe dialogue when thanking someone?

Hi Victoria, thank you for your question. It would depend on what the person is thanking for. You could have a simple, “Thanks,” he said.’ Or, for example, if someone didn’t actually like what the person gave them, said or did, and was being sarcastic: “Gee, thanks.” He rolled his eyes’. So try to balance showing the feeling through the words of the dialogue itself with showing feeling through the gestures and expressions people make when they speak.

I hope this helps! Happy writing.

Hi there! Im a young author and already know most words for ‘said’ but i wanted to know more words for feelings or for thought. And i am so very sorry if you already wrote some of it, i just didnt have time to read it since I am a really busy kid.

Hi Yuko, thank you for sharing that. When you say ‘words for feelings or for thought’ do you mean words to show that a phrase is what a character felt or thought, or words for feelings and thoughts themselves (e.g. “X,” he thought…’ or the names for different emotions and such?). In place of ‘thought’ you could have tags such as ‘wondered’, ‘reasoned’, ‘puzzled’ etc as thought-actions. For example: “But if the shooter was standing here…” The detective puzzled over the scene.’

Thank you for the feed back! I really appreciate you writing back! This is a fan fiction story, from an anime in Kimetsu no naiba and often they have scenes when a character is talking to them selves. So the scene I made was: “We shall not have that language in here Inosuke!” Kiena chided firmly. Almost immediately Inosuke bowed and replied “I’m sorry Miss!” ‘Since when did when have he listened to someone?’ Zenitsu questioned himself. When I have scenes like this, I often write the same thing over again (e.g thought Tanjiro/ thought to himself.) I am looking for another word for thought..do you have any ideas?

I made a mistake! It meant to say: ‘Since when has he listened to himself. (not have)

Note well Elmore Leonard’s Rule #3 of his Rules for Writing (and I quote): “3. Never use a verb other than ”said” to carry dialogue. The line of dialogue belongs to the character; the verb is the writer sticking his nose in. But said is far less intrusive than grumbled, gasped, cautioned, lied. I once noticed Mary McCarthy ending a line of dialogue with ”she asseverated,” and had to stop reading to get the dictionary.” Verbum sab sat!

Hi Alex, absolutely, this very good point is exactly why we revised this. There also is a genre/literary debate about this, as one does tend to see more ‘nose-in’ tags in certain genres, but ‘said’ is definitely least obtrusive. Action tags are also a helpful way to avoid making the dialogue tag do too much of the work. We also followed up on this with another post here , with more examples showing why unobtrusive is often as effective and renders the author’s hand less visible.

Thank you for sharing your thoughts and for reading our blog.

This helped me so much! We had to write a narrative and I was using a lot of “said” Because I couldn’t figure out other words instead of “said” Thank you so much!

Hi Ari, it’s a pleasure! I’m glad it’s helped with your assignment. Just remember to use action tags and other devices too so you aren’t overusing odd substitutes for ‘said’.

This has helped me ever so much!!! I had to write a suspense story for school. My mind was completely blank so I searched up synonyms for said and this website came up! I tried it out and it really helped! Thanks so much. Will definitely come here for future assignments.

Hi Ant, it’s a pleasure! Thanks for reading our blog and good luck with your school assignment.

Thank you so much! This helped me with an assignment for my English class. I could not think of any words besides said, but thankfully I got some words thanks to this.

Hi Grace, that’s fantastic. I hope your assignment went well (English class was always my favourite ?). Thank you for sharing your feedback.

This was incredibly helpful, and also articulate and comprehensible for a non-native speaker like me! I especially enjoyed the part about using the speaker’s gestures and actions to substitute tags; it’s something I love in dialogues, so this helped me so much. Thanks a lot! 🙂

Thank you, Lena! I love that in dialogues too, it brings in a little more visual specificity and movement. Thank you for reading our articles.

This helped me so much – I’m writing a so-called book/novel and my head couldn’t think of anything besides “Said”. This came in handy, thank you! 🙂

Hi Alma, that’s great to hear. I hope your novel is coming along well! Thanks for reading our articles.

This helped me a lot while writing a passion project of mine thanks so much

That’s great to hear, PK-Volt. Thank you for sharing your feedback!

This really helped me! I am righting a book named ” The Secret Demigod”, and it adds a lot of expression using these words!

That’s great, Gleam! Good luck with The Secret Demigod as you progress further!

This website helped a lot! I couldn’t find any words other than “said” for my novel and It really bothered me but thanks to this I have different, interesting, better words to use. Thanks!!

Hi Lizzie, thank you for sharing that. I’m glad to hear it’s been helpful. Good luck with your novel.

This is really useful! I just couldn’t think of any other words besides “said” and “asked”, so this really helped me out. Thanks!

That’s great to hear, Sakura. It’s a pleasure, good luck with your WIP.

This helped me so much with my book I’m writing! My mind was completely blank before. And now I’m the top of my class! Thank you very much!

Great, Pankaj, keep excelling at school.

This really helped! I’m writing a story and I was only putting said and stuff like that. Now I’ve changed the story around and it sounds a lot better!

That’s great to hear, Alex. Good luck with the rest of your story.

Hey! I am in still and school and I am planning on writing a book but I always say ‘said’ so it gets repetitive. This Helped me loads! Thanks so much!

It’s a pleasure, Dakota/Flynn. Here’s to less repetition 🙂

Thank you for this post. I am writing a story and I needed better words than said, shouted, yelled and other lame words like that. Thanks for helping my story sound better.

It’s a pleasure! Remember that ‘said’ is often the least obtrusive (if the words a character says can convey the emotion, that’s half the work a tag could be doing already done).

Hey Jordan, I think that it’s so cool that you reply to everybody’s comments. It really shows how much you actually care. And pay attention to the comments instead of ignoring them like so many other people. Really awesome.

Thank you, L.P.S. I try to reply to everyone, we want to encourage discussion and questions as much as possible. Thank you for reading our blog, too ?

This helps me a lot! Using a ‘said” word is very repetitive and sounds boring. I am still in school and I was planning to write my own story and published it on Wattpad. This really saves me from using said. And I thank you for that Jordan.

It’s a pleasure, Yvonne! Good luck with your Wattpad story (feel free to share stories for feedback with our critique community, too).

Thank you so much this really helped me with my writing, thanks again.

I wrote my entire book but found so many plot holes when rereading it, I ended up scrapping it and going back to work on my timeline, while doing that I’ve been researching a lot of stuff to make my book as perfect as I can get it. Dialogue has always been something I was confident about, but after reading this I realize that I would almost always have a “spoke (character)” at the end of each phrase. I never really thought much of it till reading this. I want to have it more sparingly, and after going over this blog? I think I finally get how to do that. Thank you so much.

It’s a pleasure Ross, it’s good you’re getting stuck into revision and learning as you go. Keep it up.

This is great, I’m writing a story and I never know what to put down instead of said. Also i would say to add to the words a bit.

Hi there, thank you for your feedback! When you say ‘add to the words’, could you maybe be more specific (to which words in what way)?

It helped me a lot. Thanks to this I’ve gotten an idea of rewriting my story.

That’s great to hear, Ej. Good luck with your rewriting!

It helped a lot for my parable I did in Ela thankyou

It’s a pleasure, Samuel, we’re glad it helped with your assignment!

I think this website is awesome And as other people said, I love how you reply to everybody’s comments and remind them of what they can do and how you encourage them with there projects or books

Thanks, Sam! It’s a pleasure, we’re here to encourage and help 🙂 Thank you for sharing your feedback with us.

It helped a lot with my parable. Thank You!

It’s a pleasure, Briana! Thank you for reading our blog.

thanks this helped a lot with my school project

That’s awesome, Marie. Thanks for letting us know and for reading our blog.

Thank you so much for the free advice. I am writing my first book, which I started on three weeks ago. 20,000 words into the novel, I am amazed at how difficult it is to write dialog without making it sound repetitive, cumbersome and monotonous. Conveying emotion through writing is so challenging. And capturing body language, emotion, tone and intention only through words in a concise, creative and captivating manner is an art, as I have now come to appreciate. I am learning as I go because I don’t want to be the person who says “I will write a novel some day” and never get around to it. I have been writing at least a 1000 words a day and I have promised myself to not be judgement even if it is crap and a plot is not developing. Later, when I go for a walk on the beach, the characters take on a life of their own and the plot develops. It’s a leap of faith and in the interest of making myself accountable to someone, I hereby pledge that I will complete the novel by April 25th.

Thanks again.

Congratulations on the progress you’ve made so far. It’s a good sign that your ‘characters take on a life of their own’ when you’re not writing as that shows your unconscious mind is showing up for the task, imagination is taking hold. 25th April is an ambitious deadline if you’re about a quarter of the way through (keeping in mind that the average trade paperback is around 80,000 words long) but if you have the time, focus and commitment I’m sure you can do it.

i really needed this. i was writing a story right now cause i cant sleep and these really helped with expressing the dialogue. thank you!!

It’s a pleasure, Stacy. Good luck with your story (and with getting more sleep!).

This is great! It helped a lot with my school study!

Hi Olivia, thank you for your feedback. I hope you get great grades 🙂

I really love to write fanfiction, and I post it, but sometimes it’s just so frustrating with the lack of anything but ‘said’ in some of the fics I read! and write, too. I really can’t express how much this helped me. I hope to write a book someday as well, and if (hopefuly when) I do, I’ll be sure to keep this in mind! Here’s a bit from one of my stories that I changed before I found this site. ‘Harry Potter picked moodily at his food. The year was turning out to be even worse than the last, and that’s saying something.

So far, he’d been attacked by dementors in front of Dudley, been to a hearing at the Ministry, almost been expelled from Hogwarts, had a VERY bad (to put it lightly) Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, Dumbledore had been kicked out, he’d been having dreams, his scar hurt, had to take extra lessons with Snape, deal with everyone calling him a liar and insane, deal with everyone keeping secrets from him, Dumbledore would barely LOOK at him all year, AND, to top it all off, that toad had etched words into his hand! Oh, and he was also banned from Quidditch for life.

Ron Weasley nudged him. “You okay mate?”

His eyebrows furrowed with concern. “You need to eat, Harry,” Ron continued when Harry didn’t respond.

Harry just shrugged in response.

To tell the truth, no he wasn’t okay.

Hermione Granger sighed and closed the book she had been reading. “Harry, please, at least eat one piece of bacon.”

Harry bit his lip.

“If you don’t eat, you might get detention!” Ron joked in hopes of getting the moody raven-haired boy to eat.

But even that wasn’t enough to lift the teen’s spirits.

“Harry,” Neville Longbottom piped up, “seriously, answer. You’re scaring us.”

Harry pushed his plate back, ignoring the stares he was garnering from his friends, and a couple other Gryffindors who had been listening. “Guys, I’m fine, really,” he tried to tell them.

“Then why aren’t you eating?” his (male) best mate countered, quick to jump on the opportunity.

“Not everyone had a bottomless pit of a stomach, you know,” Harry replied, a bit amused.

His friends sighed in relief. But Harry went back to staring at his plate when Professor- oh, sorry, I meant Headmistress Umbridge walked in.

He quickly looked up, though, when he heard the toad clear her throat. “Hem hem,” she began, getting the attention of the students. “Classes will be cancelled until otherwise said. Until then, we will be reading a series of seven books, about the life of Harry Potter, from years one thr- ough seven.”

At this, there was an outcry.

“You can’t do this!”

“This is an outrage!”

“Invasion of privacy!”

“Slimy wart-covered toad!”

These were just some of the things that were called out. The last one, the insult, was probably one of the mild things said.

“Dolores, you can’t possibly do this!” protested Professor McGonagall. “First off, this is an inva- sion of privacy, and Mr. Potter is only in his fifth year! And, even if he wasn’t, you should at least have full permission to do this, which you obviously do not have!”

Umbridge smiled in a sickly-sweet way. “Yes, Minerva, I am aware. Perhaps you’d like to read the note that came with the books out loud so people will see the reason?”

McGonagall grinded her teeth but read the note.

As she did, people looked at Harry in various degrees of pity, surprise, horror, and some disgust, the last from a couple Slytherins.

“This has to be illegal!” Hermione cried out, standing up from the bench and putting her book down.

“Not cool,” snapped Ron angrily.

Harry just sunk down in his seat to avoid the stares. Sure, he really didn’t want everyone to read his private thoughts, and the idea that he’d feel the pain was just cruel, but in the note it said that they didn’t want it to be like that. At least Umbit- sorry, Umbridge -wouldn’t be able to do anything.

The door opened and the people mentioned in the note walked in. “Snuffles!” Harry cried joyfully as the great black grim came loping over. Snuffles barked, and Harry ran a soothing hand through his fur.

It was still weird to him that he was petting his godfather, but if it would calm him down . . .

And reading the books would save lives, at least that’s what the note said. And, the books would prove Hagrid and Sirius innocent!

And, they’d only read up to the fourth book, and then they needed Harry’s permission to continue reading. That was a plus.

Remus and Tonks came over to sit with Harry and his friends. “Wotcher, Harry,” greeted Tonks. “The rest of you as well.”

“Hi Tonks!” responded Ginny brightly.

“Professor Lupin!” Dean Thomas stood up. “What are you doing here?”

“Same as everyone else.” Remus shrugged. “I got a note from the Ministry and came straight here.”

“Oh, Harry!” Molly Weasley gushed, coming over to sit with them. “Are you okay? Oh, this must be dreadful for you!”

Everyone looked expectantly at Harry, waiting for his reply.

Harry fidgeted uncomfortably at the sudden attention. “Well- I don’t like it, obviously, but if it’ll save lives . . .”

Ginny sighed, and Harry had a good idea why.

“Hem, hem.”

Gathering everyone’s attention, Umbridge stood up. “Now that we’re all clear on what’s happening, why don’t we start reading?” ‘ well, there it is! again, that you so much!

[…] speak, you can use descriptive verbs and nouns to paint a picture with a simple word. Here are some voice synonym ideas to give a try when you write your next dialogue […]

This site helps out a lot. I am currently writing a little story and this site is helping me with it. Thank you!

It’s a pleasure, Makoa. Good luck with your story!

This website is amazing and really helpful. At the moment I am writing my own story and I am trying not to repeat the word “said”. Thank you so much, I recommend this website to my friend and she too thinks this is wonderful, thank you again : )

That’s great to hear, Alicia. We’re glad to help. Thank you for recommending Now Novel to your friend, too. Good luck to you both with your stories!

This has helped so much, thank you! I used to have no idea what to type in dialogue except for said. Now I can just come here and look for one. My friend and I are writing a book now it sounds much better. Again, thank you! 🙂

That’s great to hear, Leona. It’s a pleasure! Good luck with your co-authored book.

The website doesn’t let me respond to your last message to me. Thanks for the encouragement.

Today, I am at 52,000 words and plot has been built. Maybe I won’t get to exactly 80,000 by April 25th but I anticipate that I will and if not, I will be somewhere in the 70s (thousands, that is :).

I have learnt that taking a leap of faith just means setting that time aside. I can do 1000 words in 50 minutes and my commitment to this effort in a minimum 1000 words a day. On a good weekend, I can do 5000 words but this weekend I only went 2000 words over because obviously, if the story is not flowing out of my fingers, I don’t want to produce for the sake of producing.

But when all is said and done, I have more stories, characters and plots in my head than I can ever get out into a novel. The difference between now and before is that previously, I never thought I had what it takes to be a writer and now I believe that anyone write a novel. I’ve learnt that it takes a combination of imagination and discipline.

Thanks again, Rajita

It’s my pleasure, Rajita. That sounds like fantastic progress, congratulations! You’re absolutely right that it takes imagination and discipline as well as making smart choices (e.g. where you describe writing 2000 when you aimed for 5000 but not letting this discourage you or pushing yourself past what felt a natural stopping point).

It sounds as though you’ve developed a process that works for you. Good luck finishing your story!

This is so cool, I’m in 6th grade and this helps a lot!

That’s great to hear, Juliana. Good luck with your story!

I am a 9th grade student. I started to write a book during the quarantine and this helped me a lot. thank you 🙂

That’s awesome, Joan. Thank you for reading our blog and sharing your feedback! Good luck finishing your book ☺

i love them for my new na no wir mo book

Hey Jordan,

I made it to 77,000 words today, finished writing the climax, and tied up most loose ends. I have 3,000 words to go, which I can reach simply by bulking up a few sections that need more description. I started mid-Feb and haven’t missed a day of writing at least 1000 words. This is in addition to the 60 hours I work per week. Once I hit 80,000 on Wednesday or sooner, I can’t wait to take a day’s break before entering editing hell. So much cleaning up to do and if I have a mental block, this is it. Something about going back and cleaning up raises fear that I will look back at all the words I wrote will look like drivel lol. and then there’s the hunt for an editor and with any luck a publisher/Audio book procers. I will definitely be coming back to this site for cleaning up the dialog in the next few weeks.

I think posting here on March 14th that I would finish the book by April 25th kept me accountable as I am not good at straying on my word. Thanks again for your forum 🙂

Hi Rajita, congratulations on your progress in writing your story! That is fantastic progress, especially given the 60 hours you work per week. Editing can be hell, but it can also be heaven, too! I would say try to shift your view of editing away from ‘cleaning up’ to ‘freshening up’. So often when I edit the author has a hidden gem behind some overwriting here, a little repetition and waffle there. Try to see it as an additional creative process rather than a chore, I’m sure that will help you find it more fun.

I’m glad we could help you keep accountable! You can be proud of the progress you’ve made.

I’m writing a book for a school project and this helped me a lot!

Great, Lily! Good luck with your school project.

thanks for the other words jordan, i’m doing a project on disney and this helps a lot with the work!

It’s a pleasure, Aiden. Good luck with your Disney project!

I just want to thank you for all of your work on this article! I’m working on a Dystopian story and needed all these words.

It’s a pleasure, Lisa! Thank you for reading our blog. Good luck with your dystopian story.

Thank you, so much for this. I’m a 5th grader and this is helping a lot. I am currently writing a story and this is helping a lot, thank you again

It’s a pleasure, Jie. Have fun writing your story!

This helps so much! I’m in 7th grade and I’ve been writing story’s for about two years now, and this site has helped me significantly improve in my writing.

That’s great to hear, Ava. I’m glad we’ve helped with your writing. It does take time, so it’s good you’re persevering with your story. Keep going 🙂

thx! im writing a story and im just trying my best to use the word ‘said’ so much lol!

thank you this helped me a lot! ?

this was so helpful for the book I’m writing!

That’s great to hear, Olivia! Thank you for your feedback.

i’m writing a book and this was super helpful. thank you! ?

It’s a pleasure, Mar! Thank you for reading our articles ?.

Wow! Thank you all so much for helping me, my writer’s block has been going on for a while now and this really helped.

That is great to hear, Akai. Happy writing 🙂

I’ve heard of show and not tell. I’m trying it now and it works great.

I’m glad to hear that, Richard. It does help immersion. Good luck with your story and thanks for reading our blog.

This has been really helpful for me

I’m glad to hear that, Josh. Happy writing!

I’m writing a story on Wattpad right now and this helped so much!

Hi Arshiya, I’m glad to hear that! Thank you for reading our blog.

This really helps me with my writing!!

That’s great to hear, Juli. Keep it up!

This really helps me with the short story I’m writing for class. Thanks!

I’m glad to hear that, Lacey. Thank you for sharing your feedback!

This really helps me to write wattpad books. Thanks!

I’m writing my debut novel as we speak and I’ve always struggled with dialogue as my skills lie in plot-building, scene descriptors, etc. It’s always been my weakness and I couldn’t figure out why. This put the why behind my dialogue that was okay, but not good. This was specific so now I see why mine always felt a touch wrong. I can pinpoint the differences in my own versus the examples that are clearly better. Thank you thank you!

Hi Cate, that’s great to hear. I’m glad this article had practical utility for you. Good luck with writing dialogue further, and thank you for taking time to leave your feedback and for reading our blog!

I am doing my first story for fun, I never thought to use gestures and such. Thanks!

It’s a pleasure, LG. Enjoy the process! Thank you for reading our blog and leaving us feedback.

This was super helpful! I’m writing a book, and since I haven’t done anything like that in a while, I needed a bit of a refresher. Now I use this as a guide of some sort! Thank you 🙂

Thank you. This helped me so much cause I have to write a fiction story in my class.

It’s a pleasure, Sean. Good luck for your class!

This really helps!

I’m glad to hear that, Sammie. Thanks for reading our blog!

I have to write a realistic fiction story in my ELA class in school, and I say “said” or “says” so much, so this is a program was sent by an angel! LOL!

Hi Sadie, I hope you get a top mark or we’ll be hiring new angels ?. Thank you for reading our blog.

Thank you this really helps me write my story in my ELA Class in school I didn’t use say a much and a now how to write past, present, and future tense.

Hi Darius, that’s great to hear. I hope you do well in your class. Thanks for reading our blog and leaving feedback!

[…] Dialogue words: Other words for ‘said’ (and what to avoid) […]

This was so helpful for everything! It helped me understand more of the work ethic for writing so much better! And guess what? I got an A all because of this amazing source! Thank you so much!!

Hi Fiona, that’s awesome, congratulations on your A 🙂 Keep it up and thanks for reading our blog.

I rarely leave replies on anything, but this was fantastic. Thank you!

Hi Carmine, thank you in that case for the rare comment 🙂 Thank you for reading our blog, it’s a pleasure.

I’m using this article for some help in writing a smaller novel/novella I’m writing. I have almost 14k words in it and wanted to see how many “said” words i had in it. I used it about 48 times, but wanted to lower that, so that’s what i did! Now its at around 10 🙂

also the word “said” was mainly used in the dialogue parts of it such as, “Oh, I said that to him.”

Hi Aaliyah, that sounds like a productive edit, I’m glad you found this article helpful. Good luck with your novella 🙂

hi, this really helped me in my realistic fiction writing thank you for making a page about this

It’s a pleasure, Insiyah. Thank you for reading our blog.

Wow this helps me a lot thanks!

Hi Joshua, it’s a pleasure. I’m glad you found this helpful, thanks for reading our blog and sharing your feedback.

This is great advice. Like some of you, I have struggled with using he said, she said so much in my novel. I feel a bit more freedom now to let these characters yell, mumble, etc.! Thanks for the great post.

Hi Billy, thank you for sharing your feedback! A great rule of thumb is to favor words that one can easily imagine saying. For example, ‘she whispered’ (versus ‘she trilled’). The more ‘out there’ or creative the dialogue tag, the more it draws attention to the author’s hand usually.

I am so impressed and challenged by the information shared here and in the comments of your readers. I am working on a post for Education, as well, so it’s a timely visit. It is an important post, and I’ve not taken enough time to write it yet just thinking and researching so far.

Hi Vincent, thank you for sharing that. Good luck for your research and for writing it, I hope you enjoy the process.

Thank you this is so helpful I’m actually currently writing a book so I really appreciate this advise!

Hi Hayden, it’s a pleasure. Good luck with your book and thanks for sharing your feedback.

I’m only in middle school and my friend showed my story to her teacher that used to be a highschool teacher and he said it would a A if I were in highschool and it was probably because I used a lot of the tips from this website.

That’s so lovely to hear, Zoey. I’m glad you received such encouraging words from your friend’s teacher. Keep writing!

it was too long i could not read it

Hi Shlok, I’m sorry to hear that. What is an ideal word count to you? We value our readers’ feedback 🙂 The links in the sidebar hopefully help to jump the sections that are most important/useful to you.

i like this website a lot it helps me

This was awesome, I kept referring back to this page, and my vocabulary got so much bigger.

Hi Little_Cat, thank you for your kind feedback, I’m glad you found this article useful.

Hello Jordon, Thank you for sharing this article with category-wise dialog words. I have one question, though. Can we use ‘thought’ also as a dialogue verb/word? An example: “Then, we have to get some solid proof somehow,” thought John.

Hi Mvsagar,

Great question. This can be used to indicate a thought, but is maybe best used for thoughts that are spoken aloud as the speech marks make it easy to confuse with spoken/voiced material. So the more common approach for thoughts is to italicize the thought. In this case, if the surrounding narration is in third person, the thought is written in first-person, present-tense (since it occurs in the unfolding moment).

Example: They had plenty of evidence, but hardly enough to sway a jury. Then we have to get some solid proof somehow, thought John.

It looks like I missed an email from your website about your reply. I have seen your reply just now. Thank you for your clarification. Now, I realize that we quite frequently say “I think ….” while speaking with others. So usage of the verb “thought” as a dialog verb seems right!

Thank you! I’m writing a story and this helped me a lot!

That’s lovely to hear Ayra, it’s a pleasure! Thank you for reading our blog. Remember to subscribe to our newsletter if you want to know whenever we share new articles.

Thank you so much! I’m making a story right now and this helped me out. 🙂

Hi Julia. We’re glad we could help! Dialogue is crucial to making your story come alive, so it is worth taking the time to write believable conversations. We wish you the best of luck with your story, and hope you come and share it with us on our critique groups.

Do you have other words to use in your writing instead of thought?

Thanks for question. You could say contemplates, ponders, wonders, muses on, considers or reflected, for instance. All of these could work well in place of ‘thought’. My personal preference is to write as plainly as possible, and ‘thought’ is good. The reader’s eye almost just glides over it to the meat of what is being said or thought. But I agree you need some other options if thought is being used over and over especially on one page!

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Words for Speaking: 30 Speech Verbs in English (With Audio)

Speaking is amazing, don’t you think?

Words and phrases come out of our mouths — they communicate meaning, and we humans understand each other (well, sometimes)!

But there are countless different ways of speaking.

Sometimes, we express ourselves by speaking quietly, loudly, angrily, unclearly or enthusiastically.

And sometimes, we can express ourselves really well without using any words at all — just sounds.

When we describe what someone said, of course we can say, “He said …” or “She said …”

But there are so many alternatives to “say” that describe the many different WAYS of speaking.

Here are some of the most common ones.

Words for talking loudly in English

Shout / yell / scream.

Sometimes you just need to say something LOUDLY!

Maybe you’re shouting at your kids to get off the climbing frame and come inside before the storm starts.

Or perhaps you’re just one of those people who just shout a lot of the time when you speak. And that’s fine. I’ve got a friend like that. He says it’s because he’s the youngest kid in a family full of brothers and sisters — he had to shout to make sure people heard him. And he still shouts.

Yelling is a bit different. When you yell, you’re probably angry or surprised or even in pain. Yelling is a bit shorter and more “in-the-moment.”

Screaming is similar but usually higher in pitch and full of fear or pain or total fury, like when you’ve just seen a ghost or when you’ve dropped a box of bricks on your foot.

“Stop yelling at me! I’m sorry! I made a mistake, but there’s no need to shout!”

Bark / Bellow / Roar

When I hear these words, I always imagine something like this:

These verbs all feel rather masculine, and you imagine them in a deep voice.

I always think of an army general walking around the room telling people what to do.

That’s probably why we have the phrase “to bark orders at someone,” which means to tell people what to do in an authoritative, loud and aggressive way.

“I can’t stand that William guy. He’s always barking orders at everyone!”

Shriek / Squeal / Screech

Ooooohhh …. These do not sound nice.

These are the sounds of a car stopping suddenly.

Or the sound a cat makes when you tread on her tail.

Or very overexcited kids at a birthday party after eating too much sugar.

These verbs are high pitched and sometimes painful to hear.

“When I heard her shriek , I ran to the kitchen to see what it was. Turned out it was just a mouse.”

“As soon as she opened the box and saw the present, she let out a squeal of delight!”

Wailing is also high pitched, but not so full of energy.

It’s usually full of sadness or even anger.

When I think of someone wailing, I imagine someone completely devastated — very sad — after losing someone they love.

You get a lot of wailing at funerals.

“It’s such a mess!” she wailed desperately. “It’ll take ages to clear up!”

Words for speaking quietly in English

When we talk about people speaking in quiet ways, for some reason, we often use words that we also use for animals.

In a way, this is useful, because we can immediately get a feel for the sound of the word.

This is the sound that snakes make.

Sometimes you want to be both quiet AND angry.

Maybe someone in the theatre is talking and you can’t hear what Hamlet’s saying, so you hiss at them to shut up.

Or maybe you’re hanging out with Barry and Naomi when Barry starts talking about Naomi’s husband, who she split up with last week.

Then you might want to hiss this information to Barry so that Naomi doesn’t hear.

But Naomi wasn’t listening anyway — she was miles away staring into the distance.

“You’ll regret this!” he hissed , pointing his finger in my face.

To be fair, this one’s a little complicated.

Whimpering is a kind of traumatised, uncomfortable sound.

If you think of a frightened animal, you might hear it make some kind of quiet, weak sound that shows it’s in pain or unhappy.

Or if you think of a kid who’s just been told she can’t have an ice cream.

Those sounds might be whimpers.

“Please! Don’t shoot me!” he whimpered , shielding his head with his arms.

Whispering is when you speak, but you bypass your vocal cords so that your words sound like wind.

In a way, it’s like you’re speaking air.

Which is a pretty cool way to look at it.

This is a really useful way of speaking if you’re into gossiping.

“Hey! What are you whispering about? Come on! Tell us! We’ll have no secrets here!”

Words for speaking negatively in English

Ranting means to speak at length about a particular topic.

However, there’s a bit more to it than that.

Ranting is lively, full of passion and usually about something important — at least important to the person speaking.

Sometimes it’s even quite angry.

We probably see rants most commonly on social media — especially by PEOPLE WHO LOVE USING CAPS LOCK AND LOTS OF EXCLAMATION MARKS!!!!!!

Ranting always sounds a little mad, whether you’re ranting about something reasonable, like the fact that there’s too much traffic in the city, or whether you’re ranting about something weird, like why the world is going to hell and it’s all because of people who like owning small, brown dogs.

“I tried to talk to George, but he just started ranting about the tax hike.”

“Did you see Jemima’s most recent Facebook rant ? All about how squirrels are trying to influence the election results with memes about Macaulay Culkin.”

Babble / Blabber / Blather / Drone / Prattle / Ramble

These words all have very similar meanings.

First of all, when someone babbles (or blabbers or blathers or drones or prattles or rambles), it means they are talking for a long time.

And probably not letting other people speak.

And, importantly, about nothing particularly interesting or important.

You know the type of person, right?

You run into a friend or someone you know.

All you do is ask, “How’s life?” and five minutes later, you’re still listening to them talking about their dog’s toilet problems.

They just ramble on about it for ages.

These verbs are often used with the preposition “on.”

That’s because “on” often means “continuously” in phrasal verbs .

So when someone “drones on,” it means they just talk for ages about nothing in particular.

“You’re meeting Aunt Thelma this evening? Oh, good luck! Have fun listening to her drone on and on about her horses.”

Groan / Grumble / Moan

These words simply mean “complain.”

There are some small differences, though.

When you groan , you probably don’t even say any words. Instead, you just complain with a sound.

When you grumble , you complain in a sort of angry or impatient way. It’s not a good way to get people to like you.

Finally, moaning is complaining, but without much direction.

You know the feeling, right?

Things are unfair, and stuff isn’t working, and it’s all making life more difficult than it should be.

We might not plan to do anything about it, but it definitely does feel good to just … complain about it.

Just to express your frustration about how unfair it all is and how you’ve been victimised and how you should be CEO by now and how you don’t get the respect you deserve and …

Well, you get the idea.

If you’re frustrated with things, maybe you just need to find a sympathetic ear and have a good moan.

“Pietor? He’s nice, but he does tend to grumble about the local kids playing football on the street.”

Words for speaking unclearly in English

Mumble / murmur / mutter.

These verbs are all very similar and describe speaking in a low and unclear way, almost like you’re speaking to yourself.

Have you ever been on the metro or the bus and seen someone in the corner just sitting and talking quietly and a little madly to themselves?

That’s mumbling (or murmuring or muttering).

What’s the difference?

Good question!

The differences are just in what type of quiet and unclear speaking you’re doing.

When someone’s mumbling , it means they’re difficult to understand. You might want to ask them to speak more clearly.

Murmuring is more neutral. It might be someone praying quietly to themselves, or you might even hear the murmur of voices behind a closed door.

Finally, muttering is usually quite passive-aggressive and has a feeling of complaining to it.

“I could hear him muttering under his breath after his mum told him off.”

How can you tell if someone’s been drinking too much booze (alcohol)?

Well, apart from the fact that they’re in the middle of trying to climb the traffic lights holding a traffic cone and wearing grass on their head, they’re also slurring — their words are all sort of sliding into each other. Like this .

This can also happen if you’re super tired.

“Get some sleep! You’re slurring your words.”

Stammer / Stutter

Th-th-th-this is wh-wh-when you try to g-g-g-get the words ou-ou-out, but it’s dif-dif-dif-difficu-… hard.

For some people, this is a speech disorder, and the person who’s doing it can’t help it.

If you’ve seen the 2010 film The King’s Speech , you’ll know what I’m talking about.

(Also you can let me know, was it good? I didn’t see it.)

This can also happen when you’re frightened or angry or really, really excited — and especially when you’re nervous.

That’s when you stammer your words.

“No … I mean, yeah … I mean no…” Wendy stammered .

Other words for speaking in English

If you drawl (or if you have a drawl), you speak in a slow way, maaakiiing the voowweeel sounds loooongeer thaan noormaal.

Some people think this sounds lazy, but I think it sounds kind of nice and relaxed.

Some regional accents, like Texan and some Australian accents, have a drawl to them.

“He was the first US President who spoke with that Texan drawl .”

“Welcome to cowboy country,” he drawled .

Grrrrrrrrrrrrrr!

That’s my impression of a dog there.

I was growling.

If you ever go cycling around remote Bulgarian villages, then you’re probably quite familiar with this sound.

There are dogs everywhere, and sometimes they just bark.

But sometimes, before barking, they growl — they make that low, threatening, throaty sound.

And it means “stay away.”

But people can growl, too, especially if they want to be threatening.

“‘Stay away from my family!’ he growled .”

Using speaking verbs as nouns

We can use these speaking verbs in the same way we use “say.”

For example, if someone says “Get out!” loudly, we can say:

“‘Get out!’ he shouted .”

However, most of the verbs we looked at today are also used as nouns. (You might have noticed in some of the examples.)

For example, if we want to focus on the fact that he was angry when he shouted, and not the words he used, we can say:

“He gave a shout of anger.”

We can use these nouns with various verbs, usually “ give ” or “ let out .”

“She gave a shout of surprise.”

“He let out a bellow of laughter.”

“I heard a faint murmur through the door.”

There you have it: 30 alternatives to “say.”

So next time you’re describing your favourite TV show or talking about the dramatic argument you saw the other day, you’ll be able to describe it more colourfully and expressively.

Did you like this post? Then be awesome and share by clicking the blue button below.

8 thoughts on “ Words for Speaking: 30 Speech Verbs in English (With Audio) ”

Always enlighten and fun.. thank you

Great job! Thank you so much for sharing with us. My students love your drawing and teaching very much. So do I of course.

Good news: I found more than 30 verbs for “speaking”. Bad news, only four of them were in your list. That is to say “Good news I’m only 50 I still have plenty of time to learn new things, bad news I’m already 50 and still have so much learn. Thanks for your posts, they’re so interesting and useful!

Excellent. Can I print it?

Thanks Iris.

And yes — Feel free to print it! 🙂

Thanks so much! It was very interesting and helpful❤

Great words, shouts and barks, Gabriel. I’m already writing them down, so I can practise with them bit by bit. Thanks for the lesson!

Thank you so much for sharing with us. .It is very useful

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400 Descriptive Words List to Make Your Writing Shine

Do you want to make your writing more engaging? Check out this descriptive words list with 400 words you can use today.

As you strive to be a more engaging writer, using  descriptive words  can help. It’s easy to overuse these words, but sprinkling them in here and there is a great way to colorize your writing.

Descriptive words are adjectives , which describe nouns and pronouns, or adverbs, which describe verbs, adjectives, and other adverbs. Identifying and using these will help you write stronger pieces and descriptive essays .

This descriptive word list is a good place to start. It also pairs nicely with our list of mood words .

Descriptive Words List: 400 Words to Make Your Writing More Colorful

Example sentences using adjectives, common endings for adjectives, list of adverbs in english, example sentences using adverbs, a final word on descriptive words list, what are some good descriptive words, what words describe movement.

Descriptive words take writing from boring to engaging. Consider this sentence:

• She swam across the water.

While this tells you what is happening, it has little to help you imagine the scene. If you add some adjectives and adverbs and transform the statement to this:

• She swam speedily across the choppy water.

Now you have a better picture of what happened. In order to transform your writing in this way, you need a number of descriptive words at the ready, and this list of descriptive words will help.

List of Descriptive Adjectives in English

Adjectives are the most common type of descriptive words, so first we will look at these. These words describe features like shape, texture, color, and size. They help differentiate between items in a group by calling out distinguishing features.

In  English  grammar, you can use the following to describe nouns and pronouns:

• Adventurous
• Accomplished
• Comfortable
• Embellished
• Enthusiastic
• Everlasting
• Fashionable
• Intelligent
• Quarrelsome
• Querulous 
• Questionable
• Thoughtless
• Uninterested

This list is not exhaustive, and there are many synonyms and other words that could be added. In addition, all colors are considered adjectives and describing words . Nationalities, like American or English, can also fit this list.

As you work on creating descriptive writing, get used to using these and similar words. You might also find our list of pronouns useful.

To better understand how adjectives look in sentences, consider these examples:

• The fuzzy red fox jumped over the tall fence. (red, tall)
• We like to visit the beautiful forest (beautiful)
• The garden shed feels damp this morning. (garden, damp)
• The trip to Disney World was magical. (Magical)
• The beautiful bird sat on the rough branch and sang. (beautiful, rough)
• The woman is short, but her husband is tall. (short, tall)
• I prefer cold climates. (cold)
• The luxurious hotel included soft robes for each guest. (luxurious, soft, each)

Because listing all adjectives in the English language is impossible, knowing their endings is helpful, especially for ESL language learners. Some of the common endings for adjectives include:

If you see a word ending in one of these, and you know it isn’t a noun, chances are high it is an adjective.

The English language also uses adverbs to describe verbs, adjectives, and other adverbs. These descriptive words show intensity, number, and extent. They often end in -ly.

• Accidentally
• Aggressively
• Apathetically
• Assertively
• Astronomically
• Beautifully
• Begrudgingly
• Blearily 
• Deceivingly
• Deliberately
• Differently
• Dramatically
• Emotionally
• Exceptionally
• Frightfully
• Frenetically
• Frivolously
• Hysterically
• Inquisitively
• Intelligently
• Impressively
• Ludicrously
• Methodically
• Mysteriously
• Neglectfully
• Obnoxiously
• Occasionally
• Pointlessly
• Significantly
• Splendidly 
• Substantially
• Technically
• Unexpectedly
• Victoriously
• Vitally 
• Vivaciously
• Voluntarily

Again, this is not an exhaustive list. As you learn to identify adverbs or use them in your writing, look for words that describe verbs and other descriptive words that end in -ly.

Editing tip: Sometimes adverbs can also serve as filler words that you can remove or use to slow down or speed up a piece.

To better understand how adverbs show up in sentences as descriptive words, consider these examples:

• The electric car drove so quietly we didn’t hear it coming. (so, quietly)
• My dog barked angrily at the intruder. (angrily)
• The girls sang beautifully. (beautifully)
• He swam across the pool quickly. (quickly)
• The box is surprisingly heavy for its size. (surprisingly) 
• The toddler walked very carefully across the slippery floor. (very, carefully)
• Language learning is incredibly easy for some students, and incredibly hard for others (incredibly)

As you learn how to become a better writer , descriptive language is a big part of the picture. Adjectives and adverbs are the parts of speech that allow you to describe other things vividly. While you can overuse them, they can add color and interest to your writing when used well.

Keep this list of descriptive words handy. When you have a need, pull it out and find one that fits your writing. Whether you’re writing a sentence, a short story, or an entire novel, you’ll find it easier to get descriptive when you have these words on hand.

Check Like this? Check out our list of sensory words .

FAQs on Descriptive Words List

Descriptive words are words that make something easier to identify by describing its characteristics. Some good words that fit this include: Bright Adventurous Jovial Charming Peaceful

Some descriptive words describe the movement of an object. These include: Swiftly Fluidly Gracefully Smoothly Disjointedly

Nicole Harms has been writing professionally since 2006. She specializes in education content and real estate writing but enjoys a wide gamut of topics. Her goal is to connect with the reader in an engaging, but informative way. Her work has been featured on USA Today, and she ghostwrites for many high-profile companies. As a former teacher, she is passionate about both research and grammar, giving her clients the quality they demand in today's online marketing world.

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