During writing or speaking, sometimes we want to use different words instead of mention to make our sentences more interesting. Words like refer, state, and bring up can help. In this article, we will explore 18 useful synonyms for mention with examples and easy explanations to use in your writing and speaking.
| Synonym | Example |
|---|---|
| Refer | She referred to the book during her speech. |
| State | He stated his opinion clearly in the meeting. |
| Bring up | Please don’t bring up that topic now. |
| Cite | The teacher cited several articles in her lecture. |
| Talk about | We need to talk about the new project tomorrow. |
| Point out | He pointed out the mistakes in the report. |
| Note | I want to note your efforts in completing this task. |
| Indicate | The graph indicates a rise in sales. |
| Highlight | She highlighted the important points in her essay. |
| Touch on | The speaker touched on many issues briefly. |
| Describe | Can you describe your experience in detail? |
| Explain | He explained the rules to the new players. |
| Report | They reported the event in the local newspaper. |
| Mention in passing | He mentioned in passing that he will resign. |
| Acknowledge | The team acknowledged her hard work in the project. |
| Bring into discussion | Let’s bring this matter into discussion tomorrow. |
| Refer to briefly | She referred to briefly what happened last week. |
| Talk over | We need to talk over the plan before starting. |
18 Different Ways to Say MENTION: Another Word for MENTION
Refer
The word refer is often used when you want to mention something indirectly or direct someone’s attention to it. It is best when you want to show respect to a source or give credit. You can use it in formal writing, presentations, and conversations when pointing to ideas or things. Refer is a strong alternative to mention because it feels professional and clear.
- She referred to her notes during the lecture.
- I will refer to the rules before making a decision.
- Please refer to the guide for more details.
- The report refers to several past studies.
State
State is perfect when you want to express something clearly and directly. It is commonly used in formal settings like meetings, reports, and presentations. You should use state when you want to be precise about what is being said. This word is strong because it shows confidence in sharing information.
- He stated his opinion in the class.
- Please state your reason for being late.
- She stated the facts very clearly.
- The instructions were stated in the manual.
Bring Up
The phrase bring up is useful in conversations when introducing a topic. It works well in both casual and formal settings. Bring up is a friendly alternative to mention because it can start a discussion naturally. Use it when you want to introduce something without forcing it.
- He brought up a new idea in the meeting.
- Don’t bring up that subject right now.
- She brought up an interesting point yesterday.
- Can you bring up this issue in the next call?
Cite
Cite is often used when giving credit to sources or supporting evidence. It is mainly used in writing, research, and formal speaking. Cite is better than mention when you want to be accurate and show proof. It is strong because it gives authority to your words.
- The professor cited a famous book.
- Please cite all sources in your essay.
- She cited the report during the presentation.
- The article cited multiple experts.
Talk About
Talk about is casual and friendly. It is used when discussing or sharing information with someone. It is a great substitute for mention in conversations and informal writing. Talk about works well because it feels natural and clear.
- We need to talk about the new plan.
- Can we talk about your performance?
- He talked about his journey to success.
- She talked about the movie she watched.
Point Out
Point out is used to highlight something important. It is ideal when you want others to notice details. You can use point out in meetings, instructions, or discussions. It is effective because it draws attention clearly.
- She pointed out the errors in the essay.
- He pointed out the benefits of the program.
- Please point out any mistakes you find.
- The teacher pointed out the key facts.
Note
Note is used when you want to mention something briefly or record it mentally or in writing. It works well in both casual and formal contexts. Note is useful because it shows careful observation and thought.
- I want to note the achievements of the team.
- Please note the changes in schedule.
- She noted his comments in her diary.
- The guide notes important points for travelers.
Indicate
Indicate is perfect when showing or pointing to information clearly. It is often used in reports, charts, or formal explanations. Indicate is a precise alternative to mention because it shows signs or facts directly.
- The chart indicates a rise in sales.
- Please indicate your choice on the form.
- The sign indicates the direction to the museum.
- He indicated the correct answer confidently.
Highlight
Highlight is great when you want to emphasize something important. It is commonly used in writing, reports, and speeches. Highlight is strong because it draws attention to key points.
- She highlighted the main points in her essay.
- Please highlight any mistakes you see.
- The teacher highlighted the important chapters.
- He highlighted his achievements during the talk.
Touch On
Touch on is used when mentioning something briefly. It is ideal in discussions or presentations when you don’t go into detail. Touch on is useful because it allows for short mentions without full explanation.
- The speaker touched on many issues briefly.
- Can you touch on the main points?
- She touched on the topic in her report.
- He touched on his experiences during the interview.
Describe
Describe is used when giving details about something. It works well in conversations, essays, and presentations. Describe is better than mention when you want to provide a clear picture.
- Can you describe your experience?
- She described the scene vividly.
- He described his plans in detail.
- The teacher described the steps carefully.
Explain
Explain is perfect when you want to make something understood. It is commonly used in teaching, writing, or speaking. Explain is stronger than mention because it adds clarity and depth.
- He explained the rules to the students.
- Can you explain your idea?
- She explained the problem clearly.
- The guide explained the steps carefully.
Report
Report is used when giving information about events or facts. It is commonly used in newspapers, studies, and meetings. Report is stronger than mention because it gives information officially.
- They reported the event in the newspaper.
- Please report any issues immediately.
- He reported the results of the survey.
- The news reporter reported the accident.
Mention in Passing
Mention in passing is used when referring to something casually. It works well in conversations or writing when the detail is not main. It is useful because it shows awareness without deep focus.
- He mentioned in passing that he would resign.
- She mentioned in passing about her trip.
- They mentioned in passing the new rules.
- I mentioned in passing the meeting schedule.
Acknowledge
Acknowledge is used when showing recognition of someone or something. It is commonly used in formal and polite situations. Acknowledge is a strong alternative to mention because it shows respect.
- The team acknowledged her hard work.
- Please acknowledge the receipt of this letter.
- He acknowledged the support of his friends.
- The company acknowledged the problem and fixed it.
Bring into Discussion
Bring into discussion is perfect for meetings or talks. It is used when you want to include a topic for conversation. It is better than mention because it invites opinions and ideas.
- Let’s bring this matter into discussion tomorrow.
- He brought the new idea into discussion.
- We should bring this topic into discussion now.
- She brought her concerns into discussion during the meeting.
Refer to Briefly
Refer to briefly is used to mention something for a short time. It is helpful in presentations or conversations. It is strong because it shows careful and short attention to the topic.
- She referred to briefly what happened last week.
- He referred to briefly the new rules.
- The report referred to briefly the previous study.
- Can you refer to briefly the main points?
Talk Over
Talk over is used when discussing something fully with someone. It is ideal in meetings, planning, or casual conversations. Talk over is a great alternative to mention because it includes discussion and opinion sharing.
- We need to talk over the plan before starting.
- Let’s talk over the issues this afternoon.
- He talked over the proposal with his team.
- She talked over her concerns with the manager.

Final Thoughts
Using different words instead of mention makes your writing and speaking more engaging. Words like refer, state, and bring up add variety and clarity. Try to use these synonyms in conversations and writing to make your ideas stronger and more interesting.









