Dictionary-enhanced synonyms
Synonyms for “Say” — 4 Other Ways to Say It
Use your voice to speak or tell words.
Meaning of Say
Speak or tell someone something in words.
How to Pronounce Say
IPA: /seɪ/ Stress: O
One syllable, sounds like SEH.
4 Synonyms for Say — Words Similar to Say
Browse alternative words with their meaning, level, and a real example sentence so you pick the synonym that fits your context.
tell
/tɛl/Give information or speak words to a person.
Example: Tell me your name.
speak
/spik/To say words; to talk to someone using language.
Example: She speaks English fluently and can also speak Mandarin.
state
/steɪt/A country or region with its own government and laws.
Example: California is the largest state on the west coast.
mention
/ˈmɛnʃən/To talk about or bring up something in conversation, usually briefly and without much detail.
Example: She mentioned her new job in the email.
Smart Synonyms for Say — When to Use Each
tell
give information directly to someone
mention
reference something in passing during speech
How to Use Say and Its Synonyms in Sentences
- What did she say? A1
- He said goodbye and left. A2
- She says she will come tomorrow. B1
Common Word Choice Mistakes with Say
Not natural: He said me that he was coming.
Better: He told me that he was coming.
'Say' does not take an indirect object; use 'tell' instead.
Frequently Asked Questions About Synonyms of Say
What is another word for "say"?
Common synonyms for "say" include: tell, speak, state, mention.
What can I say instead of "say"?
Try one of these alternatives: tell, speak, state, mention. Pick the synonym whose register and meaning fits your sentence — see the cards above for definitions and examples.
Is "say" formal or informal?
"say" is generally used in neutral contexts.
When should I use "say" instead of "tell"?
Use "say" when you want to keep the exact nuance shown in the meaning section above; switch to "tell" when you need a different register, level, or shade of meaning. Compare the cards above to decide.