1️⃣ Neutral / Safe (Use Anytime)
Invisible to readers. Best for long conversations.
Word
Description
said
Normal speaking, no strong emotion
asked
Question
replied
Responding calmly
answered
Direct response
told
Giving information
spoke
General speaking
2️⃣ Quiet / Low Voice
Use for secrecy, fear, embarrassment, or thinking aloud.
Word
Description
muttered
Low voice, annoyed or thinking
mumbled
Unclear, shy, or nervous
whispered
Very quiet, secretive
murmured
Soft and gentle
breathed
Barely spoken
said softly
Calm or emotional
under his breath
Complaining quietly
Example:
"This shouldn't be possible…" he muttered.
3️⃣ Loud / Forceful
Good for conflict, urgency, authority.
Word
Description
shouted
Loud, urgent
yelled
Emotional shouting
cried
Sudden loud emotion
roared
Extremely loud, rage or power
barked
Sharp, commanding
thundered
Dominating presence
called out
Trying to get attention
4️⃣ Anger / Hostility
Use sparingly—strong impact.
Word
Description
snapped
Sudden anger
growled
Suppressed rage
snarled
Animal-like anger
hissed
Cold, dangerous tone
sneered
Mocking hostility
5️⃣ Calm / Confidence / Authority
Perfect for leaders, MCs, gods, veterans.
Word
Description
stated
Firm and factual
declared
Strong conviction
said calmly
Controlled emotion
spoke evenly
No fear or excitement
announced
Public statement
6️⃣ Fear / Weakness / Sadness
Good for vulnerable scenes.
Word
Description
whispered weakly
Low confidence
stammered
Nervous or scared
trembled
Fear in voice
choked
Holding back tears
sobbed
Crying while speaking
7️⃣ Thinking / Inner Voice (VERY COMMON IN WN)
Use italics or narration.
Word
Description
thought
Internal dialogue
wondered
Confusion or curiosity
realized
Sudden understanding
mused
Casual thinking
inwardly sighed
Mental exhaustion
Example:
So this is the system… he thought.
8️⃣ Action Tags (STRONGLY RECOMMENDED)
Often better than dialogue tags.
Action
What it Shows
sighed
Tired, resigned
frowned
Confused or annoyed
smirked
Confidence or mockery
clenched his fists
Anger
narrowed his eyes
Suspicion
looked away
Avoidance
paused
Hesitation
shrugged
Indifference
Example:
He narrowed his eyes. "Explain."
9️⃣ Webnovel-Style Favorites
Natural for LN/WN readers.
Word
Description
scoffed
Disbelief
snorted
Amusement or contempt
clicked his tongue
Annoyance
laughed bitterly
Painful humor
let out a breath
Relief or frustration