BraveSpeaking: Strong Verbs: to say

Verb to make (someone) more determined, hopeful, or confident

encouraged
The coach encouraged his team to keep playing hard.

Verb to make (something) clear or easy to understand

explained
Our friend explained why he moved to London.

Verb to show in a selfish way that you are happy with your own success or another's failure

gloated
"Ha, I won the bet!" my brother gloated. "Now you have to clean the garage!"

Verb to say things that are meant to cause laughter

joke
My friend and I joked with each other in the park. She's really funny and we love hanging out together!

Verb to disagree with something or oppose something

objected
"I don't want to go with you guys to the mall," Mikhail objected.

Verb to use your authority to tell someone to do something

ordered
The sergeant ordered, "Present ARMS!" and the guard obeyed.

Verb to cause someone to do something by asking, arguing, or giving reasons

persuaded
Dmitry persuaded Masha to go out to dinner with him and they had a great time.

Verb to say (something) very loudly

shout
Terri shouted "I'M NOT YELLING!" at the other teacher.

Verb to complain in an annoying way

whined
This boy whined to his mom all afternoon. It was very unpleasant, he didn't want to do anything!

Verb to cry out in a loud, high voice

screamed
The girl screamed, "I don't want to wear a hat!" when her sister tried to put it on her.

Verb to speak very softly or quietly

whispered
She whispered "Good luck!" before I went on stage.