Synonyms for Says: Meaning, Examples, and Word Choices

The word says is one of the most frequently used verbs in English.

It is used when someone communicates information, shares an opinion, gives an answer, or expresses a thought.

Because it appears so often in conversations, articles, stories, and reports, many writers look for synonyms for says to make their writing more varied and engaging.

However, replacing says is not only about avoiding repetition.

Each synonym carries a slightly different meaning.

A person may state a fact, claim something uncertain, announce important news, explain an idea, or whisper something quietly.

Choosing the correct alternative helps your writing sound more natural and accurate.

If you are writing an article, essay, dialogue, report, or everyday message, understanding these alternatives improves your vocabulary and communication skills.

Meaning of Says

Definition

Says means to speak words, express thoughts, communicate information, or give an opinion.

It is the third-person singular form of the verb say.

Examples:

She says hello every morning.
He says the project is finished.
The teacher says the answer is correct.

Pronunciation

Says

IPA:
/sez/

Natural pronunciation:

SEZ

Pronunciation Tips

The word sounds like “sez”, not “says” with a long A sound.
It has one syllable.
The vowel sound is similar to the word bed.

Examples:

She says yes.
He says thank you.
The report says the results are positive.

Part of Speech

Verb

Says is a verb.

It is the third-person singular form of say.

Forms of Say:

Form	Example
Base form	I say
Past tense	I said
Present participle	Saying
Third person	He says

Examples:

I say what I think.
She says the truth.
They said goodbye.

Synonyms for Says

Word	Meaning	Usage	Formality	Example	Difficulty Level
States	Gives information clearly	Facts, reports	Formal	The report states the facts.	Medium
Tells	Gives information to someone	Conversation	Neutral	She tells me the story.	Easy
Mentions	Refers to something briefly	General writing	Neutral	He mentions the problem.	Easy
Explains	Makes something clear	Teaching, details	Neutral	She explains the process.	Easy
Declares	Makes a strong statement	Formal announcements	Formal	He declares his decision.	Medium
Expresses	Shows thoughts or feelings	Opinions, emotions	Formal	She expresses concern.	Medium
Notes	Points out information	Reports, writing	Formal	The study notes changes.	Medium
Reveals	Makes hidden information known	Discoveries	Neutral	The report reveals new facts.	Medium
Suggests	Gives an idea or possibility	Opinions	Neutral	He suggests a solution.	Easy
Claims	Says something is true	Arguments	Neutral	She claims success.	Medium
Announces	Gives public information	News, events	Formal	They announce the winner.	Easy
Reports	Gives information	News, research	Formal	The article reports results.	Medium
Comments	Gives an opinion	Discussion	Neutral	He comments on the issue.	Easy
Replies	Answers someone	Conversation	Neutral	She replies quickly.	Easy
Describes	Explains details	Writing, storytelling	Neutral	He describes the scene.	Easy

Best Synonyms for Says

1. States

Meaning

States means to say something clearly and directly.

Difference

States sounds more formal than says and is often used for facts or official information.

Examples:

The report states that sales increased.
The document states the rules clearly.

Best Situation:

Use for:

Reports
Academic writing
Official documents
Facts

Common Mistakes:

Do not use states for casual conversations.

Incorrect:

She states hello.

Better:

She says hello.

2. Tells

Meaning

Tells means to give information to someone.

Difference

Tell usually requires a person receiving the information.

Examples:

She tells me the truth.
He tells his friend a story.

Best Situation:

Use for:

Stories
Personal information
Instructions
Conversations

Common Mistakes:

Remember:

Say + words

Tell + person

Correct:

She says that she is tired.
She tells me that she is tired.

3. Mentions

Meaning

Mentions means to talk about something briefly.

Difference

Mentioning does not mean explaining fully.

Examples:

He mentions a problem during the meeting.
The article mentions climate change.

Best Situation:

Use for:

Articles
Conversations
Reports

Common Mistakes:

Do not use mention when someone gives a long explanation.

4. Explains

Meaning

Explains means to make something easier to understand.

Difference

Explains gives more detail than says.

Examples:

The teacher explains the lesson.
She explains why she left.

Best Situation:

Use for:

Teaching
Instructions
Reasons

Common Mistakes:

A simple statement is not always an explanation.

5. Declares

Meaning

Declares means to make an official or strong statement.

Difference

Declares sounds powerful and formal.

Examples:

The company declares its new policy.
The leader declares victory.

Best Situation:

Use for:

Announcements
Public statements
Decisions

Common Mistakes:

Avoid using it for everyday speech.

Best Synonyms for Says (Continued)

6. Expresses

Meaning

Expresses means to communicate thoughts, feelings, opinions, or emotions.

Difference

Expresses focuses more on feelings or ideas rather than simply speaking words.

Examples:

She expresses her opinion clearly.
He expresses gratitude for the support.
The artist expresses emotions through his work.

Best Situation:

Use expresses for:

Feelings
Opinions
Ideas
Attitudes

Common Mistakes:

Do not use expresses for simple facts.

Incorrect:

The report expresses that sales increased.

Better:

The report states that sales increased.

7. Notes

Meaning

Notes means to mention or point out something important.

Difference

Notes sounds more formal than says and often appears in writing.

Examples:

The study notes several important changes.
The report notes that costs have increased.
She notes the difference between the two methods.

Best Situation:

Use for:

Research
Reports
Articles
Professional writing

Common Mistakes:

Notes usually highlights information rather than personal conversation.

8. Reveals

Meaning

Reveals means to make something known that was previously hidden or unknown.

Difference

Reveals adds the idea of discovery.

Examples:

The investigation reveals new information.
The study reveals important results.
She reveals her secret.

Best Situation:

Use for:

Discoveries
Secrets
Research
News

Common Mistakes:

Do not use reveals for ordinary statements.

Incorrect:

He reveals his name when introducing himself.

Better:

He says his name.

9. Suggests

Meaning

Suggests means to offer an idea, possibility, or recommendation.

Difference

Suggests is weaker than says because it does not always mean something is certain.

Examples:

The research suggests a connection.
She suggests a different approach.
He suggests meeting later.

Best Situation:

Use for:

Ideas
Advice
Possibilities
Opinions

Common Mistakes:

Do not use suggests when someone gives a confirmed fact.

Incorrect:

The report suggests that water boils at 100°C.

Better:

The report states that water boils at 100°C.

10. Claims

Meaning

Claims means to say something is true, especially when others may question it.

Difference

Claims can suggest doubt or a need for proof.

Examples:

He claims he saw the accident.
The company claims its product works better.
She claims to know the answer.

Best Situation:

Use for:

Arguments
News reports
Opinions
Controversial statements

Common Mistakes:

Claim does not always mean the statement is proven.

11. Announces

Meaning

Announces means to officially tell people important information.

Difference

Announces is used for public or formal information.

Examples:

The company announces a new product.
They announce the winner.
The school announces the schedule.

Best Situation:

Use for:

News
Events
Decisions
Public statements

Common Mistakes:

Do not use announce for private conversations.

Incorrect:

She announces her favorite color.

Better:

She says her favorite color.

12. Reports

Meaning

Reports means to provide information, usually after collecting or observing facts.

Difference

Reports suggests research, investigation, or official communication.

Examples:

The newspaper reports the event.
Scientists report new findings.
The manager reports the problem.

Best Situation:

Use for:

Journalism
Research
Business
Official information

Common Mistakes:

A personal opinion is not always a report.

13. Comments

Meaning

Comments means to give an opinion or short observation.

Difference

Comments is often less formal and more conversational than states.

Examples:

She comments on the new design.
He comments about the situation.
The expert comments on the results.

Best Situation:

Use for:

Discussions
Reviews
Conversations

Common Mistakes:

A comment is usually an opinion, not necessarily a fact.

14. Replies

Meaning

Replies means to answer someone after they speak or ask something.

Difference

Replies focuses on responding, not just speaking.

Examples:

She replies to the message quickly.
He replies that he will attend.
They reply with a simple answer.

Best Situation:

Use for:

Conversations
Emails
Messages

Common Mistakes:

A reply requires something to respond to.

15. Describes

Meaning

Describes means to explain the details or characteristics of something.

Difference

Describes gives a picture or detailed explanation.

Examples:

She describes her travel experience.
The book describes ancient history.
He describes the problem clearly.

Best Situation:

Use for:

Stories
Articles
Explanations
Reviews

Common Mistakes:

Description usually includes details, not just a short statement.

Antonyms of Says

The opposite of says depends on the situation. Common antonyms include silence, withholding information, or refusing to communicate.

Word	Meaning	Usage	Example
Hides	Keeps information secret	Secrets	He hides the truth.
Conceals	Prevents information from being known	Formal	She conceals the facts.
Denies	Says something is not true	Arguments	He denies the accusation.
Silences	Stops someone from speaking	Communication	The rule silences critics.
Ignores	Does not respond	Conversations	He ignores the question.
Withholds	Refuses to give information	Formal	The company withholds details.
Keeps quiet	Does not speak	Informal	She keeps quiet about it.
Avoids	Stays away from answering	Conversation	He avoids the topic.

Understanding Each Antonym

1. Hides

Meaning

To keep something unknown or secret.

Examples:

He hides the truth.
She hides her feelings.

Best use:

Secrets
Information
Emotions

2. Conceals

Meaning

A formal word meaning to hide information.

Examples:

The report concealed important details.
They concealed the evidence.

Best use:

Legal writing
Formal situations

3. Denies

Meaning

To say that something is false or not true.

Examples:

He denies the accusation.
She denies making the mistake.

Best use:

Arguments
Disagreements
News

4. Withholds

Meaning

To intentionally keep information from others.

Examples:

The company withheld important information.
He withheld his opinion.

Best use:

Professional contexts
Official communication

5. Keeps Quiet

Meaning

To choose not to speak.

Examples:

She kept quiet during the meeting.
He kept quiet about the surprise.

Best use:

Everyday conversation

Real-World Examples of Using Synonyms for Says

The following examples show how different alternatives to says work naturally in everyday, professional, and academic situations.

The report states that customer satisfaction has improved.
She tells her friend about the exciting news.
The article mentions several important facts.
The teacher explains the difficult topic clearly.
The president declares a new national policy.
The speaker expresses concern about the issue.
The research paper notes several important findings.
The investigation reveals new information.
The expert suggests a possible solution.
The company claims its product is effective.
The organization announces a major update.
The newspaper reports the latest events.
The customer comments on the service quality.
She replies to the email quickly.
The author describes the situation in detail.
The document states the rules clearly.
He tells his children a bedtime story.
The article mentions a recent discovery.
The scientist explains the research process.
The leader declares his decision publicly.
The employee expresses appreciation for the opportunity.
The study notes a connection between the two factors.
The report reveals unexpected results.
The manager suggests a better strategy.
The politician claims innocence.
The company announces a new partnership.
The journalist reports the event accurately.
The reviewer comments on the movie.
He replies with a simple answer.
The writer describes the beautiful landscape.

25 Example Sentences Using Synonyms for Says

She says she will arrive tomorrow.
The article states that exercise improves health.
He tells me everything about his journey.
The teacher explains the lesson with examples.
The report mentions the main causes of the problem.
The company announces a new service.
The scientist reveals important discoveries.
The expert suggests another method.
The politician claims the information is incorrect.
The study notes changes in consumer behavior.
She expresses her feelings honestly.
The newspaper reports the accident details.
He comments on the recent changes.
She replies that she understands the instructions.
The book describes life in ancient times.
The manager states the goals of the project.
The speaker declares his support for the idea.
The researcher explains the results clearly.
The customer comments about the product quality.
The article reveals hidden problems.
The teacher suggests reading more books.
The organization announces new opportunities.
The report claims that the method works effectively.
The author describes the character’s emotions.
The document notes several important changes.

Formal vs. Informal Usage

Different alternatives to says fit different situations.

Informal Word	Formal Alternative	Best Context
Says	States	Reports and documents
Says	Declares	Official announcements
Says	Reports	News and research
Says	Explains	Teaching and instructions
Says	Notes	Academic writing
Says	Reveals	Discoveries
Says	Claims	Arguments
Says	Mentions	General writing

Informal Usage of Says

In everyday conversations, simple words are usually best.

Common choices:

Says

Examples:

She says she is tired.
He says hello.

Tells

Examples:

She tells me a funny story.
He tells his parents the news.

Replies

Examples:

She replies quickly.
He replies that he agrees.

Comments

Examples:

She comments on the picture.
He comments about the weather.

These words are common in:

Conversations
Text messages
Social media
Personal writing

Formal Usage of Says

Professional writing often uses more precise alternatives.

Basic:

The report says sales increased.

Formal:

The report states that sales increased.

Basic:

The scientist says the results are important.

Formal:

The scientist reports that the results are significant.

Basic:

The company says it will expand.

Formal:

The company announces expansion plans.

Academic Usage of Synonyms for Says

Academic writing avoids repeating says and uses more specific reporting verbs.

Research Findings

Basic:

The study says exercise improves health.

Academic:

The study indicates that exercise improves health.

Arguments

Basic:

The author says technology changes society.

Academic:

The author argues that technology changes society.

Evidence

Basic:

The research says the method works.

Academic:

The research demonstrates that the method works.

Academic Alternatives Table

Common Word	Academic Alternative	Example
Says	States	The author states that education is important.
Says	Argues	The researcher argues that changes are needed.
Says	Suggests	The study suggests a possible connection.
Says	Indicates	The data indicates improvement.
Says	Demonstrates	The evidence demonstrates the effect.
Says	Reports	The study reports new findings.
Says	Explains	The paper explains the process.

Daily Conversation Usage

In normal speech, people usually prefer simple verbs.

Sharing Information

Natural:

She says she is busy.
He tells me the news.

Giving Opinions

Natural:

I think this is good.
She comments on the situation.

Answering Questions

Natural:

He replies yes.
She answers quickly.

Sharing Stories

Natural:

He tells a funny story.
She describes her trip.

Conversation Tips

Use say for general speech.
Use tell when someone receives information.
Use explain when giving details.
Use mention for short references.
Use state for clear facts.
Use claim when information may need proof.
Use suggest for ideas or possibilities.
Use announce for public information.
Use reply when responding.

Grammar Tips for Using Synonyms for Says

Using the correct alternative for says requires understanding grammar, sentence structure, and meaning. Different reporting verbs work in different situations.

1. Understand the Difference Between Say and Tell

One of the most common grammar mistakes is confusing say and tell.

Say

Use say when focusing on the words spoken.

Structure:

Subject + say + something

Examples:

She says hello.
He says that he is busy.
The teacher says the answer is correct.

Tell

Use tell when mentioning the person who receives the information.

Structure:

Subject + tell + person + something

Examples:

She tells me the truth.
He tells his friend a story.
The teacher tells students the rules.

2. Use Reporting Verbs With “That”

Many synonyms for says can introduce information using that.

Examples:

The report states that sales increased.
The study suggests that exercise improves health.
The article reveals that changes are happening.

Common verbs followed by “that”:

State
Explain
Report
Suggest
Claim
Reveal
Mention

3. Know the Difference Between Says and Explains

Says gives information.

Explains gives information with details or reasons.

Examples:

Simple:

She says the machine is broken.

Detailed:

She explains why the machine is broken.

Use explain when the listener needs understanding.

4. Use Claims Carefully

Claims means someone says something is true, but it may not be proven.

Examples:

The company claims its product is the fastest.
He claims he saw the event.

It often appears in:

News
Arguments
Research discussions

5. Use Suggests for Possibilities

Suggests does not always mean something is confirmed.

Examples:

The evidence suggests a connection.
The study suggests that sleep improves memory.

It means:

“shows a possibility”

Not:

“proves completely”

6. Use States for Facts and Official Information

States sounds formal and direct.

Examples:

The contract states the conditions.
The report states the results.

Common in:

Legal documents
Reports
Academic writing

7. Use Announces for Public Information

Announces requires information that is shared publicly.

Examples:

The company announces a new product.
The school announces the winners.

Avoid using it for personal conversations.

Incorrect:

She announces that she likes coffee.

Better:

She says that she likes coffee.

8. Use Reveals for Hidden Information

Reveals suggests that something was previously unknown.

Examples:

The investigation reveals new evidence.
The study reveals surprising results.

Do not use it for ordinary statements.

Incorrect:

He reveals his name.

Better:

He says his name.

9. Use Different Tenses Correctly

Present:

She says the answer is correct.

Past:

She said the answer was correct.

Continuous:

She is saying something important.

Perfect:

She has said everything already.

10. Avoid Repeating Says in Writing

Weak:

The author says this. The researcher says that. The report says another thing.

Better:

The author explains this. The researcher suggests another idea. The report reveals important findings.

Using different reporting verbs makes writing stronger.

Common Collocations With Says

Collocation	Meaning	Example
Says hello	Gives a greeting	She says hello every morning.
Says goodbye	Gives a farewell	He says goodbye before leaving.
Says sorry	Apologizes	She says sorry for the mistake.
Says thank you	Shows gratitude	He says thank you for the help.
Says yes	Agrees	She says yes to the offer.
Says no	Refuses	He says no to the request.
Says the truth	Gives honest information	She says the truth.
Says a word	Speaks something	He says a few words.
Says a sentence	Speaks a sentence	The student says a sentence aloud.
Says an opinion	Gives a viewpoint	She says her opinion clearly.
Says something important	Gives useful information	The expert says something important.
Says nothing	Remains silent	He says nothing about the issue.
Says it clearly	Communicates clearly	She says it clearly.
Says it again	Repeats information	He says it again.
Says the answer	Gives a response	She says the answer correctly.

Common Phrases Using Says

1. As Someone Says

Meaning: Referring to another person’s words.

Example:

As my teacher says, practice makes progress.

2. Say No More

Meaning: I understand without needing more explanation.

Example:

3. Say the Word

Meaning: Ask someone to give permission or request something.

Example:

Say the word, and I will help you.

4. Say It Again

Meaning: Ask someone to repeat.

Example:

Could you say it again?

5. Easier Said Than Done

Meaning: Something sounds simple but is difficult.

Example:

Losing weight is easier said than done.

6. So to Speak

Meaning: Used when speaking figuratively.

Example:

He became the leader, so to speak.

7. Needless to Say

Meaning: Something is obvious.

Example:

Needless to say, everyone was excited.

8. That Is to Say

Meaning: Used to explain or clarify.

Example:

He is a beginner, that is to say, he is still learning.

Idioms Related to Says and Speaking

Idiom	Meaning	Example
Actions speak louder than words	Behavior matters more than promises	Actions speak louder than words.
Speak your mind	Share your honest opinion	She always speaks her mind.
Word of mouth	Information passed by people	The business grew through word of mouth.
Read between the lines	Find hidden meaning	Read between the lines to understand him.
Put words in someone’s mouth	Misrepresent what someone said	Don’t put words in my mouth.
Break the news	Tell important information	She broke the news yesterday.
Spread the word	Share information	Please spread the word.
Have the last word	Finish an argument successfully	He always wants the last word.
Give someone your word	Make a promise	I give you my word.
Take someone at their word	Believe what someone says	I took him at his word.

Similar Words Comparison

Word	Meaning	Difference	Example
Say	Speak words	General communication	She says hello.
Tell	Give information to someone	Needs a listener	She tells me a story.
State	Give clear information	Formal and factual	The report states facts.
Mention	Refer briefly	Short information	He mentions the issue.
Explain	Make clear	Includes details	She explains the process.
Claim	Say something is true	May need proof	He claims success.
Suggest	Offer an idea	Not certain	She suggests a solution.
Announce	Share publicly	Official information	They announce the winner.
Report	Give researched information	Based on facts	The news reports events.
Describe	Give details	Creates an image	He describes the scene.

FAQs

Q1. What are the best synonyms for says?
A: Common synonyms include states, tells, mentions, explains, declares, notes, reveals, suggests, and reports.

Q2. What is a formal synonym for says?
A: States, declares, reports, indicates, and notes are common formal alternatives.

Q3. What is an academic synonym for says?
A: Academic writing often uses states, argues, suggests, indicates, and demonstrates.

Q4. What is the difference between says and tells?
A: Say focuses on the words spoken, while tell focuses on the listener.

Q5. What is another word for says in an essay?
A: Good choices include states, explains, argues, suggests, and notes.

Q6. What is a synonym for says in a research paper?
A: Common options include reports, indicates, demonstrates, and reveals.

Q7. What is a synonym for says in a story?
A: Use replies, whispers, shouts, explains, or announces, depending on the context.

Q8. What is a stronger word than says?
A: Stronger alternatives include declares, announces, confirms, emphasizes, and reveals.

Q9. Can mentions replace says?
A: Sometimes. Mentions means referring to something briefly.

Q10. Is claims a synonym for says?
A: Yes, but claims suggests the statement may need proof.

Q11. What is the difference between says and states?
A: States is more formal and is often used for facts or official information.

Q12. What is another word for says in a sentence?
A: Depending on the context, use states, explains, mentions, or notes.

Q13. How can I avoid repeating says?
A: Vary your reporting verbs with words like explains, argues, suggests, or reveals.

Q14. What is the difference between says and explains?
A: Says gives information, while explains provides details or reasons.

Q15. Which synonym is best for SEO content?
A: Use natural alternatives like explains, states, reveals, shows, notes, or reports where appropriate.

Expert Tips for Using Synonyms for Says

1. Choose Meaning Over Variety

Many writers replace says only to avoid repetition, but accuracy matters more.

Example:

Incorrect:

The scientist claims the results.

If the scientist proved the results, use:

The scientist states the results.

2. Match the Verb With the Speaker’s Purpose

Ask:

What is the person doing?

Giving facts:

Use:

States
Reports
Notes

Sharing ideas:

Use:

Suggests
Proposes
Recommends

Showing feelings:

Use:

Expresses
Shares

Making public information:

Use:

Announces
Declares

3. Use Reporting Verbs in Academic Writing

Academic writing becomes stronger with precise reporting verbs.

Instead of:

The researcher says climate change is serious.

Use:

The researcher argues that climate change requires immediate action.

4. Do Not Overuse Powerful Words

Words like declares, proclaims, and announces are strong. Using them too often makes writing sound unnatural.

Example:

Normal:

She says she is happy.

Not:

She declares she is happy.

5. Use Simple Words in Conversations

In everyday English, say is often the best choice.

Natural:

He says he is tired.
She says thank you.
They say goodbye.

Simple words often sound more natural.

Conclusion:

The word says is a common and useful verb, but using different synonyms for says can make your writing clearer, more precise, and more engaging.

Words like states, explains, mentions, reports, suggests, claims, reveals, announces, and expresses each add a different meaning.

The right synonym depends on the situation.

Use states for facts, explains for details, mentions for brief references, reports for information, and announces for public messages.

In casual conversations, simple words like says and tells are often the most natural choices.

Strong writing is not about replacing every common word.

It is about choosing the word that best communicates your exact meaning.

Emily Sanders

Emily Sanders is an English language content creator from Columbus, Ohio. She develops informative vocabulary guides for students and professionals.