There are many synonyms that can be used in place of "saying the word," depending on the context and tone of the sentence. Some alternatives include uttering, speaking, voicing, expressing, articulating, proclaiming, declaring, announcing, reciting, and pronouncing. Each of these words has its own subtle nuances and connotations, so it's important to choose the one that best fits the intended meaning. For example, "voicing the word" might suggest a more confident or assertive tone than "uttering the word," which could have a softer or more hesitant connotation. Ultimately, the choice of synonym depends on the writer's intent and the desired effect of the sentence.