Formal:
* Declared: Used for formal pronouncements or statements of importance.
* Announced: Used for making something known publicly.
* Proclaimed: Similar to "declared" but often implies a strong conviction.
* Asserted: Used for making a confident statement, often with the intention to be persuasive.
* Expressed: A neutral term for conveying thoughts or feelings.
* Remarked: Used for making a casual comment or observation.
* Stated: Implies a precise and deliberate statement.
Informal:
* Spoke: A general term for uttering words.
* Replied: Used when responding to a question or statement.
* Asked: Used for posing a question.
* Whispered: Used for speaking softly and quietly.
* Shouted: Used for speaking loudly and forcefully.
* Muttered: Used for speaking in a low and unclear voice.
* Yelled: Used for shouting loudly and angrily.
* Added: Used for providing further information.
* Exclaimed: Used for expressing strong emotion or surprise.
* Chirped: Used for a cheerful and light-hearted tone.
* Grumbled: Used for speaking in a complaining or discontented tone.
Descriptive Verbs:
* Whispered: Implies secrecy or a quiet tone.
* Shouted: Indicates loudness and forcefulness.
* Mumbled: Implies unclear or hesitant speech.
* Barked: Indicates a harsh or abrupt tone.
* Purred: Implies a soft and pleasing tone.
* Moaned: Indicates a sorrowful or complaining tone.
* Chortled: Indicates a chuckling or gleeful sound.
Specific to Dialogue:
* Interjected: Used for inserting a remark into a conversation.
* Retorted: Used for making a sharp or angry reply.
* Quipped: Used for making a witty or humorous remark.
* Demanded: Used for asking for something urgently or forcefully.
* Suggested: Used for putting forward an idea or proposal.
* Argued: Used for expressing disagreement or opposing a point of view.
The best word to use depends on the specific context and the speaker's tone. Consider the characters, the situation, and the desired effect to choose the most appropriate word.