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Speech Verbs and Dialogue tags

S-Y

Say – express in words

Scream – yell high-pitched in pain/fear

Scold – tell off

Shout – say in a loud voice, often angrily or to attract attention

Shriek/screech – high-pitched wail

Sing – pronounce words tunefully/rhythmically

Sigh – an exhalation of regret

Slur – talk unclearly, with merging words

Snap – respond with sudden anger

Snarl – talk aggressively, in an animalistic way

Sneer – to speak disdainfully

Snicker /snigger – laugh mockingly

Sniff – a haughty, nasal response

Sniffle – sniff while speaking because of a cold / crying

Snivel – sniff pathetically

Sob – cry wholeheartedly

Spit – say bitterly

Sputter – speak hesitantly

Squeak – speak in a small, high-pitched voice like a small rodent

Squeal – speak high-pitched/exuberantly/in pain

Stammer – talk falteringly

State – express plainly

Struggle – having trouble saying something

Stutter – talk falteringly, tripping over words

Suggest – give a recommendation/opinion

Taunt – to tease, challenge

Tease – lightly provoke mockingly

Tell – inform

Urge – advise insistently

Utter – to speak

Vow – to declare solemnly

Wail – cry sorrowfully

Warn – to inform of danger

Weep – cry deeply and sincerely

Whimper – cry pathetically

Whine – moan annoyingly

Whisper –  speak quietly, without using vocal chords

Yell – shout

Yelp – brief, high-pitched expression of pain

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