Here are some options, categorized by their specific meanings:
Stronger and more emphatic:
* Declared: Implies a formal or definitive statement.
* Proclaimed: Used for public announcements or pronouncements.
* Announced: Similar to proclaimed, but less formal.
* Shouted: Indicates loud and forceful speech.
* Boasted: Implies arrogance or pride.
* Cried: Indicates strong emotion.
* Whispered: Indicates secret or hushed speech.
* Snapped: Implies impatience or anger.
* Demanded: Indicates a forceful request or command.
* Insisted: Indicates a strong belief or opinion.
* Asserted: Indicates a confident and forceful claim.
More specific to the speaker's tone:
* Muttered: Indicates low and unclear speech.
* Grumbled: Indicates annoyance or displeasure.
* Chuckled: Indicates amusement.
* Sighed: Indicates sadness or resignation.
* Moaned: Indicates pain or suffering.
* Stuttered: Indicates difficulty speaking.
* Explained: Indicates a clear and detailed explanation.
* Argued: Indicates a disagreement.
More descriptive of the action:
* Confessed: Indicates admitting guilt or a secret.
* Begged: Indicates a desperate plea.
* Promised: Indicates a commitment to do something.
* Threatened: Indicates a warning of harm.
* Suggested: Indicates a proposal or idea.
* Complained: Indicates dissatisfaction.
To choose the best replacement, consider the:
* Speaker's intentions: Are they trying to convince, persuade, inform, or express emotion?
* Context of the conversation: Is it a formal setting, a casual conversation, or a heated argument?
* Desired effect: Do you want to emphasize power, emotion, or specificity?
Remember, the best verb will be the one that most accurately conveys the meaning and tone of the original sentence.