Howdy

Here is a random list of words I found that can be used instead of the word "said":

For answering

Answered

clarified

explained

reassured

remarked

stated

acquiesced

Added

articulated

disagreed

disputed

acknowledged

For yappers

babbled

rambled

yapped

chattered/chatted

effused

For debating

reasoned

reported

restated

speculated

theorized

verified

concluded

considered

countered

debated

refuted

objected

pointed out

proposed

For humor

bantered

chuckled

giggled

joked

For persuasion

advised

beffed

appealed

assured

directed

encouraged

claimed

convinced

pleaded

prompted

urged

suggested

For provocation

mocked

teased

dared

mimicked

insulted

provoked

ribbed

ridiculed

sassed

snickered

taunted

pestered

teased

accused 

For questions or curiosity

asked 

inquired

puzzled

wondered

questionned

For confusion

cautioned

doubted

guessed

hesitated

vacillated

For anger

argued

bickered

chastied

complained

cursed

demanded

exploded

fumed

growled

interrupted

scoffed

stormed

snarled

scowled

threatened 

warned

For disgust

cringed

gagged

grimaced

snorted

rasped

sniffed

For frustration

huffed

protested

grumbled

exasperated

For happiness

approved

beamed

congratulated

bubbled

cheered

grinned

hummed

exulted

For fear

fretted 

shuddered

quavered

squeaked

squealed

whimpered

shrieked

whined

For love

breathed

flattered

proclaimed

purred

cooed

swooned

flirted

For embarrassment

admitted

confessed

spilled

spluttered

For sadness

bawled

consoled

cried

sniffled

sobbed

wailed

wepy

For surprised

yelped

gasped

blurted

bleated

exclaimed

other

announced

confirmed

continued

chimed in

Other

comforted

described

dictated

echoed

imitated

implied

lectured

motioned

mentioned

quoted

told

volunteered

welcomed