The term "speech act" refers to the intention behind a verbal utterance, such as making a promise, giving an order, or expressing an opinion. There are several synonyms for this term, such as "verbal action," "linguistic performance," and "utterance act." Other phrases that can be used in place of "speech act" include "communicative behavior," "language action," and "discourse act." These synonyms highlight the idea that language is not just about conveying information, but also about performing social actions and establishing relationships between speakers and listeners. Understanding the various ways in which language can be used to perform different speech acts is crucial for effective communication in any setting.