Synonyms for communicating offer more precise ways to describe how thoughts, ideas, or emotions are shared. Choosing the right word can highlight the style, intent, or tone of the interaction—whether it’s formal, casual, persuasive, or collaborative.
Examples include expressing, conveying, and interacting. Use “expressing” when focusing on personal feelings, “conveying” for delivering information clearly, and “interacting” when highlighting two-way communication
Definition of ‘Communicate’
The verb ‘communicate’ means to share or exchange information, ideas, or feelings. It encompasses a broad range of activities, from simple conversations to complex forms of artistic expression.
Communication can occur verbally, non-verbally, in writing, or through various other mediums. At its core, communication involves a sender, a message, and a receiver, with the goal of creating a shared understanding.
Understanding the nuances of ‘communicate’ and its synonyms is crucial for effective writing because it allows you to choose the most precise word to convey your intended meaning. This precision enhances clarity, avoids ambiguity, and ultimately strengthens your communication.
Structural Breakdown of Communication Verbs
Communication verbs can be analyzed based on their grammatical structure and the roles they play in a sentence. They typically function as transitive verbs, requiring a direct object to complete their meaning (e.g., “She communicated the message”).
However, some can also be used intransitively, especially when the focus is on the act of communication itself (e.g., “He communicated effectively”).
The structure of a sentence using a communication verb often follows this pattern: Subject + Verb + (Direct Object) + (Prepositional Phrase/Adverbial Modifier). The prepositional phrase or adverbial modifier can provide additional information about how, when, or where the communication occurred. For instance, “They conveyed their concerns through a letter” or “He expressed his gratitude sincerely.”
Synonyms for Communicating
Communication verbs can be categorized based on the mode of communication they describe. Understanding these categories will help you choose the most appropriate synonym for ‘communicated’ in different contexts.
Verbal Communication
Verbal communication involves the use of spoken language to exchange information. Verbs in this category include: speak, say, tell, announce, declare, articulate, discuss, converse, chat, whisper, shout, lecture, preach, debate, negotiate, explain, describe, report, inform, advise, persuade, question, answer.
Non-Verbal Communication
Non-verbal communication encompasses the use of body language, facial expressions, gestures, and other non-linguistic cues to convey meaning. Verbs in this category include: signal, gesture, indicate, imply, suggest, hint, express (through body language), reveal (through expression), display, show, demonstrate, portray, represent, symbolize, embody.
Written Communication
Written communication involves the use of written language to share information. Verbs in this category include: write, state, record, document, report, note, inscribe, email, text, correspond, draft, compose, author, publish, circulate, announce (in writing), declare (in writing).
Digital Communication
Digital communication refers to the exchange of information through electronic devices and platforms. Verbs in this category include: email, text, message, post, tweet, share, upload, download, broadcast (digitally), stream, video conference, video call, connect (online), network (online).
Examples of Synonyms for ‘Communicated’
Here are some common synonyms for ‘communicated,’ along with example sentences to illustrate their usage. Each synonym carries a slightly different connotation, making it suitable for different contexts.
Expressed
‘Expressed’ implies a clear and direct communication of thoughts or feelings. It often suggests a conscious effort to articulate something.
The following table provides examples of the usage of “expressed” in various contexts. Each example highlights how “expressed” is used to convey the clear and direct communication of thoughts and feelings.
| Sentence | Context |
|---|---|
| She expressed her gratitude with a heartfelt thank you. | Showing appreciation |
| He expressed his concerns about the project’s deadline. | Sharing worries |
| The artist expressed her emotions through vibrant colors. | Artistic creation |
| The politician expressed his views on the new legislation. | Political opinion |
| The student expressed confusion about the complex equation. | Academic difficulty |
| They expressed their condolences to the bereaved family. | Sympathy and mourning |
| The author expressed his thoughts in a beautifully written novel. | Literary work |
| He expressed his love for her with a bouquet of roses. | Romantic feelings |
| The manager expressed her disappointment with the team’s performance. | Workplace feedback |
| The child expressed his excitement about the upcoming vacation. | Anticipation and joy |
| The witness expressed his fear of retaliation. | Testimony and safety |
| The musician expressed his creativity with an innovative melody. | Musical expression |
| The scientist expressed her findings in a research paper. | Scientific reporting |
| The activist expressed his support for the cause. | Advocacy and solidarity |
| The patient expressed his symptoms to the doctor. | Medical consultation |
| The diplomat expressed his country’s position on the matter. | International relations |
| The chef expressed his culinary skills with a delicious dish. | Culinary arts |
| The dancer expressed her grace through elegant movements. | Performing arts |
| The speaker expressed his passion for the subject. | Public speaking |
| The writer expressed her perspective on social issues. | Social commentary |
| The company expressed its commitment to sustainability. | Corporate pledge |
| The community expressed its gratitude to the volunteers. | Community appreciation |
| The students expressed their interest in joining the club. | Student engagement |
| The family expressed their sorrow at the loss of their pet. | Grief and mourning |
| The neighbors expressed their concern for the elderly resident. | Community care |
Conveyed
‘Conveyed’ suggests the transmission of information or meaning from one person or place to another. It emphasizes the act of carrying or transporting the message.
The following table provides examples of the usage of “conveyed” in various contexts. Each example highlights how “conveyed” is used to emphasize the transmission of information or meaning from one person or place to another.
| Sentence | Context |
|---|---|
| The messenger conveyed the king’s decree to the people. | Royal announcement |
| The painting conveyed a sense of peace and tranquility. | Artistic impression |
| The email conveyed important updates regarding the project. | Business communication |
| The speaker conveyed his message through powerful rhetoric. | Public speaking |
| The letter conveyed her sincere apologies for the misunderstanding. | Formal apology |
| The music conveyed a feeling of nostalgia and longing. | Musical expression |
| The teacher conveyed the importance of hard work to her students. | Educational lesson |
| The body language conveyed a sense of discomfort and unease. | Non-verbal cues |
| The news report conveyed the latest developments in the investigation. | Journalistic reporting |
| The film conveyed a powerful message about social injustice. | Cinematic narrative |
| The ambassador conveyed his country’s support for the peace process. | Diplomatic relations |
| The report conveyed the findings of the scientific study. | Scientific research |
| The artwork conveyed the artist’s unique perspective on the world. | Artistic interpretation |
| The survey conveyed the public’s opinion on the new policy. | Public opinion assessment |
| The play conveyed the themes of love, loss, and redemption. | Theatrical performance |
| The presentation conveyed the company’s vision for the future. | Corporate strategy |
| The novel conveyed the author’s exploration of human nature. | Literary exploration |
| The dance conveyed the dancer’s emotions through movement. | Dance performance |
| The sermon conveyed the preacher’s message of hope and faith. | Religious communication |
| The advertisement conveyed the product’s unique selling points. | Marketing message |
| The instructions conveyed the steps for assembling the furniture. | Instructional guide |
| The gesture conveyed a silent expression of solidarity. | Non-verbal support |
| The symbol conveyed a complex idea with a simple image. | Symbolic representation |
| The design conveyed the company’s brand identity. | Brand representation |
| The warning conveyed the potential dangers of the situation. | Safety advisory |
Transmitted
‘Transmitted’ implies the sending of information, often over a distance or through a medium. It is frequently used in contexts involving technology or formal communication channels.
The following table provides examples of the usage of “transmitted” in various contexts. Each example highlights how “transmitted” is used to imply the sending of information over a distance or through a medium, often involving technology or formal communication channels.
| Sentence | Context |
|---|---|
| The radio station transmitted the news bulletin across the region. | Broadcasting |
| The data was transmitted securely over the network. | Data transfer |
| The virus was transmitted through contaminated water. | Disease spread |
| The signal was transmitted from the satellite to the ground station. | Satellite communication |
| The message was transmitted via Morse code. | Telegraphy |
| The disease is transmitted through mosquito bites. | Vector-borne illness |
| The information was transmitted to the headquarters for analysis. | Corporate reporting |
| The program was transmitted live to a global audience. | Live broadcasting |
| The electricity was transmitted through the power lines. | Electrical engineering |
| The tradition was transmitted from one generation to the next. | Cultural heritage |
| The order was transmitted down the chain of command. | Military communication |
| The genes were transmitted from parents to offspring. | Genetics |
| The knowledge was transmitted through oral storytelling. | Oral tradition |
| The warning was transmitted to all ships in the area. | Maritime safety |
| The sound was transmitted through the air. | Acoustics |
| The report was transmitted electronically to save time. | Digital reporting |
| The data packets were transmitted across the internet. | Internet communication |
| The news was transmitted quickly through social media. | Social media sharing |
| The infection was transmitted through direct contact. | Infectious disease |
| The document was transmitted as an email attachment. | Email communication |
| The instructions were transmitted clearly to the team members. | Team coordination |
| The skills were transmitted through apprenticeship programs. | Vocational training |
| The culture was transmitted through art and music. | Cultural transmission |
| The complaint was transmitted to the customer service department. | Customer service |
| The information was transmitted in a coded format. | Secure communication |
Imparted
‘Imparted’ suggests the giving of knowledge, wisdom, or a quality to someone or something. It implies a deliberate act of sharing something valuable.
The following table provides examples of the usage of “imparted” in various contexts. Each example highlights how “imparted” is used to suggest the giving of knowledge, wisdom, or a quality to someone or something, implying a deliberate act of sharing something valuable.
| Sentence | Context |
|---|---|
| The teacher imparted her knowledge to the students. | Education |
| The mentor imparted valuable wisdom to the young apprentice. | Mentorship |
| The experience imparted a sense of maturity to the young traveler. | Personal growth |
| The chef imparted a unique flavor to the dish with a secret ingredient. | Culinary arts |
| The artist imparted life to the canvas with vibrant brushstrokes. | Artistic creation |
| The coach imparted a winning strategy to the team. | Sports coaching |
| The speaker imparted a sense of hope to the audience. | Motivational speaking |
| The training imparted new skills to the employees. | Professional development |
| The lesson imparted the importance of honesty and integrity. | Moral education |
| The book imparted a deeper understanding of history. | Historical learning |
| The tradition imparted cultural values to the community. | Cultural preservation |
| The experience imparted a greater appreciation for nature. | Environmental awareness |
| The guidance imparted confidence to the young entrepreneur. | Business mentorship |
| The story imparted a valuable life lesson to the children. | Children’s literature |
| The advice imparted a new perspective on the problem. | Problem-solving |
| The lecture imparted the latest research findings to the scientists. | Scientific dissemination |
| The workshop imparted practical skills to the participants. | Skill development |
| The interaction imparted a sense of connection to the community. | Community engagement |
| The retreat imparted a feeling of peace and tranquility. | Wellness and relaxation |
| The medicine imparted relief from the patient’s symptoms. | Medical treatment |
| The experience imparted resilience to the survivors. | Personal strength |
| The training imparted the knowledge for safe operation of equipment. | Safety training |
| The example imparted the importance of ethical behavior. | Ethical guidance |
| The encouragement imparted motivation to the team. | Team motivation |
| The support imparted a sense of belonging to the members. | Group cohesion |
Disclosed
‘Disclosed’ means to reveal or make known something that was previously secret or hidden. It implies an unveiling of information.
The following table provides examples of the usage of “disclosed” in various contexts. Each example highlights how “disclosed” is used to mean revealing or making known something that was previously secret or hidden, implying an unveiling of information.
| Sentence | Context |
|---|---|
| The company disclosed its financial results to the shareholders. | Corporate transparency |
| The witness disclosed the suspect’s identity to the police. | Legal investigation |
| The journalist disclosed the details of the scandal in the newspaper. | Investigative journalism |
| The doctor disclosed the patient’s diagnosis after a thorough examination. | Medical confidentiality |
| The government disclosed classified documents to the public. | Government transparency |
| The applicant disclosed his criminal record on the job application. | Background check |
| The spy disclosed secret information to the enemy. | Espionage |
| The whistleblower disclosed the company’s illegal activities. | Ethical reporting |
| The celebrity disclosed her personal struggles in an interview. | Public confession |
| The scientist disclosed his groundbreaking discovery at the conference. | Scientific revelation |
| The lawyer disclosed the evidence to the court. | Legal proceedings |
| The therapist disclosed the client’s progress in therapy. | Therapeutic progress |
| The author disclosed the plot twist in the final chapter. | Literary suspense |
| The detective disclosed the solution to the mystery. | Crime solving |
| The negotiator disclosed the terms of the agreement. | Negotiation |
| The historian disclosed new insights into the past. | Historical analysis |
| The analyst disclosed the market trends to the investors. | Financial analysis |
| The auditor disclosed the accounting errors in the report. | Financial audit |
| The council disclosed the zoning changes to the residents. | Community planning |
| The manager disclosed upcoming changes to the team. | Team communication |
| The researcher disclosed study findings at the symposium. | Research dissemination |
| The confession disclosed the truth about the crime. | Truth revelation |
| The document disclosed the policy details to the public. | Policy transparency |
| The programmer disclosed the vulnerability in the software. | Vulnerability Disclosure |
| The investigation disclosed corruption within the agency. | Corruption Discovery |
Usage Rules for Communication Verbs
When choosing a synonym for ‘communicated,’ consider the following rules:
- Context: Select a word that fits the specific context of the sentence. For example, use ‘transmitted’ when discussing electronic signals or ‘imparted’ when discussing the sharing of knowledge.
- Connotation: Pay attention to the subtle differences in meaning between synonyms. ‘Expressed’ is more direct than ‘hinted,’ and ‘declared’ is more formal than ‘said.’
- Audience: Consider your audience and choose words that they will understand. Avoid jargon or overly technical terms unless your audience is familiar with them.
- Clarity: Prioritize clarity over complexity. Choose the simplest and most direct word that accurately conveys your intended meaning.
- Formality: Adjust your vocabulary to match the tone of your writing. Use more formal words in academic or professional contexts and more informal words in casual settings.
Common Mistakes When Using Communication Verbs
Here are some common mistakes to avoid when using synonyms for ‘communicated’:
| Incorrect | Correct | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| She transmitted her feelings. | She expressed her feelings. | ‘Transmitted’ is typically used for information or signals, not emotions. |
| He disclosed his opinion loudly. | He expressed his opinion loudly. | ‘Disclosed’ implies revealing something secret, which is not appropriate for a general opinion. |
| They conveyed knowledge to the students. | They imparted knowledge to the students. | ‘Conveyed’ is better for messages, while ‘imparted’ is better for knowledge or skills. |
| The letter expressed the package. | The letter conveyed the message. | ‘Expressed’ refers to expressing thoughts or feelings, not physical items. |
| The news imparted quickly. | The news spread quickly. | ‘Imparted’ needs an object (what was imparted), so ‘spread’ is better here. |
Practice Exercises
Choose the best synonym for ‘communicated’ in each sentence:
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. The teacher _______ the importance of reading to her students. (expressed, imparted, transmitted) | 1. imparted |
| 2. The email _______ the meeting’s agenda to all participants. (conveyed, disclosed, expressed) | 2. conveyed |
| 3. The politician _______ his plans for the city’s development at the rally. (disclosed, expressed, transmitted) | 3. expressed |
| 4. The spy _______ the secret information to his contact. (conveyed, disclosed, imparted) | 4. disclosed |
| 5. The radio station _______ the emergency broadcast across the region. (expressed, conveyed, transmitted) | 5. transmitted |
| 6. The artist _______ her emotions through her sculpture. (expressed, conveyed, imparted) | 6. expressed |
| 7. The messenger _______ the king’s decree to the townspeople. (transmitted, conveyed, disclosed) | 7. conveyed |
| 8. The mentor _______ valuable life lessons to his mentee. (expressed, imparted, transmitted) | 8. imparted |
| 9. The company _______ its earnings report to the investors. (disclosed, expressed, conveyed) | 9. disclosed |
| 10. The data _______ securely over the encrypted network. (transmitted, expressed, conveyed) | 10. transmitted |
Exercise 2: Rewrite the following sentences using a synonym for ‘communicated’ that enhances the sentence’s meaning.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. The speaker communicated his ideas clearly. | 1. The speaker articulated his ideas clearly. |
| 2. She communicated her anger through her tone of voice. | 2. She manifested her anger through her tone of voice. |
| 3. The news report communicated the details of the accident. | 3. The news report detailed the circumstances of the accident. |
| 4. He communicated his decision to resign. | 4. He announced his decision to resign. |
| 5. The instructions communicated how to assemble the product. | 5. The instructions specified how to assemble the product. |
| 6. They communicated the message through a coded signal. | 6. They signaled the message through a coded signal. |
| 7. The teacher communicated the rules of the game. | 7. The teacher explained the rules of the game. |
| 8. The letter communicated her gratitude. | 8. The letter expressed her gratitude. |
| 9. The warning signs communicated the danger. | 9. The warning signs indicated the danger. |
| 10. The company communicated its new policy to employees. | 10. The company announced its new policy to employees. |
Advanced Topics in Communication Verbs
For advanced learners, consider exploring the following topics:
- Idiomatic expressions: Many communication verbs are used in idiomatic expressions (e.g., “get the message,” “read between the lines”).
- Figurative language: Communication verbs can be used metaphorically or in similes to create vivid imagery.
- Register: Understanding the appropriate register (formal, informal, technical) for different communication contexts is crucial for effective writing.
- Cross-cultural communication: Communication styles vary across cultures, and understanding these differences can improve intercultural communication.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about synonyms for ‘communicated’:
What is the best synonym for ‘communicated’ to use in a formal report?
In a formal report, consider using words like ‘conveyed,’ ‘reported,’ ‘stated,’ or ‘disclosed,’ depending on the specific context. These words lend a sense of professionalism and objectivity to your writing.
How can I avoid repeating the same communication verb in my writing?
Use a thesaurus to find alternative words with similar meanings. Also, try rephrasing your sentences to emphasize the content of the communication rather than the act of communicating itself. For example, instead of “He communicated his concerns,” you could write “His concerns were evident.”
Is there a difference between ‘expressed’ and ‘stated’?
Yes, ‘expressed’ implies a communication of thoughts or feelings, often with some degree of emotion or emphasis. ‘Stated,’ on the other hand, is more neutral and simply means to declare something clearly and directly.
When should I use ‘imparted’ instead of ‘conveyed’?
Use ‘imparted’ when you want to emphasize the giving of knowledge, wisdom, or a quality. ‘Conveyed’ is more appropriate when you’re talking about the transmission of information or messages. For example, a teacher imparts knowledge, while a messenger conveys a message.
How do I choose the right synonym for ‘communicated’ in a creative writing context?
In creative writing, focus on choosing words that evoke the desired mood or imagery. Consider the connotations of different synonyms and how they contribute to the overall tone of your piece. For example, ‘whispered’ creates a sense of secrecy, while ‘shouted’ conveys anger or excitement.
Can ‘suggested’ be used as a synonym for ‘communicated’?
Yes, ‘suggested’ can be used as a synonym for ‘communicated,’ particularly when the communication is indirect or subtle. It implies that the information was hinted at or implied rather than stated explicitly.
How does the context of the sentence affect the choice of synonym for ‘communicated’?
The context of the sentence is crucial in determining the most appropriate synonym. Consider the subject of the sentence, the object being communicated, and the manner in which the communication occurs. For example, if the subject is a radio station and the object is a broadcast, ‘transmitted’ would be the best choice.
Are there any synonyms for ‘communicated’ that imply a lack of clarity?
Yes, words like ‘hinted,’ ‘implied,’ or ‘intimated’ can be used to suggest that the communication was not entirely clear or explicit. These words imply that the message was conveyed indirectly or subtly.
Conclusion
Mastering a range of synonyms for ‘communicated’ is an essential skill for effective writing. By understanding the subtle differences in meaning and usage between these words, you can express your ideas with greater precision and nuance.
This not only enhances the clarity of your writing but also makes it more engaging and impactful for your audience.
Remember to consider the context, connotation, and audience when choosing a synonym for ‘communicated.’ With practice and attention to detail, you can elevate your writing to a new level of sophistication and communicate your ideas with confidence and clarity. Keep expanding your vocabulary and refining your understanding of communication verbs to become a more effective and articulate writer.