Said is a solid and useful dialogue tag. But here are also other examples you can use from time to time:
“That was a mistake,” the thief hissed. | Hiss | To say something in quiet angry way. |
“Are you sure?” the dragon grumbled. | Grumble | To mutter in discontent. |
“Tell me the truth now!” Anne demanded. | Demand | To call for something in an authoritative way, to call for urgently, imperiously, or insistently. |
“Now you will die,” she growled. | Growl | To complain angrily. |
“And how did it help you?” he snarled. | Snarl | To growl with a snapping, gnashing, or display of teeth. |
“You fool!” Andrew snapped. | Snap | To utter sharp biting words, to utter curtly or abruptly. |
“Another mistake,” Lucy grunted. | Grunt | A low, short guttural sound made by an animal or a person. |
“You will go to school or else say goodbye to your computer,” Mum threatened. | Threaten | To utter threats or warnings. |
“Because it was mine!” Anne barked. | Bark | To speak in a curt loud and usually angry tone |
“And they spilled milk again!” Aunt ranted. | Rant | To talk in a noisy, excited, or declamatory manner, to scold vehemently. |
See more vocabulary alternatives useful for writers! Poetic, amiable, angry, cute, and joyful said versions.

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