10 Best Ways to Say “Talked About”
If you need another way to say “talked about,” useful alternatives include discussed, mentioned, addressed, covered, spoke about, reviewed, brought up, explored, debated, and referred to. The best choice depends on context: use “discussed” for general or professional communication, “mentioned” for a brief reference, and “addressed” when dealing with an issue directly.
Key Takeaways
- Discussed is the closest all-purpose alternative to “talked about.”
- Mentioned works best when someone refers to a topic briefly.
- Addressed suggests that someone dealt with an issue directly.
- Covered is useful when a topic receives broader treatment or explanation.
- The right synonym depends on tone, purpose, and how deeply the topic was discussed.
What Does “Another Way to Say Talked About” Mean?
The phrase “another way to say talked about” refers to alternative words or phrases for describing a conversation, discussion, or reference to a particular subject. “Talked about” is common and natural English, but writers often look for alternatives to avoid repetition or create a more precise tone.
For example, “We talked about the new project” could become “We discussed the new project” in a professional setting. Depending on the meaning, you could also say that you mentioned, addressed, covered, reviewed, or explored the project.
“Talk about” commonly means to discuss something or express thoughts, feelings, or opinions about it.
Why Use Other Ways to Say “Talked About”?
Using different expressions can make your writing more precise and natural. The best alternative tells readers not only that a topic came up, but sometimes how it was handled.
You may want to use another phrase to:
- Avoid repeating “talked about” throughout your writing.
- Make professional communication sound more polished.
- Show whether a topic was mentioned briefly or discussed deeply.
- Match the tone of an email, report, essay, or conversation.
- Choose a word that better describes the type of discussion.
For example, debated suggests opposing opinions, while reviewed suggests examining something carefully. These are not always interchangeable with “talked about.” Merriam-Webster lists several related words, including “discussed,” “reviewed,” “debated,” “argued,” and “spoke about.”
10 Best Other Ways to Say “Talked About”
1. Discussed
Meaning
Discussed is the closest and most useful alternative to “talked about.” It means people considered or talked about a subject, often with the goal of sharing ideas, opinions, or information.
It works especially well when you want your writing to sound clear and professional.
Best For
- Professional
- Formal
- Polite
Example 1
We discussed the project timeline during Monday’s meeting.
Example 2
The team discussed several ways to improve customer service.
Quick Tip
Use discussed when you want a simple replacement that works in most professional situations. Unlike “talked about,” it does not need about after it: say “We discussed the issue,” not “We discussed about the issue.”
2. Mentioned
Meaning
Mentioned means someone referred to a subject without necessarily discussing it in detail. It is ideal when the topic appeared briefly during a conversation, presentation, email, or article.
Best For
- Casual
- Professional
- Polite
Example 1
Sarah mentioned the upcoming deadline during our call.
Example 2
He mentioned that the company plans to expand next year.
Quick Tip
Choose mentioned when “talked about” makes the discussion sound more extensive than it really was.
3. Addressed
Meaning
Addressed means someone dealt with, responded to, or gave attention to a particular subject or problem. It often sounds more purposeful than “talked about.”
Best For
- Professional
- Formal
Example 1
The manager addressed the employees’ concerns during the meeting.
Example 2
The report addressed several challenges facing the organization.
Quick Tip
Use addressed when the person did more than simply mention an issue. It suggests that the subject received direct attention.
4. Covered
Meaning
Covered means a topic was included or dealt with as part of a conversation, meeting, lesson, report, or presentation. It often suggests that several aspects of a subject were considered.
Best For
- Professional
- Formal
- Casual
Example 1
The training session covered basic cybersecurity practices.
Example 2
We covered the most important points before ending the meeting.
Quick Tip
Covered is especially natural for meetings, classes, presentations, reports, and other situations where multiple topics are included.
5. Spoke About
Meaning
Spoke about is a direct alternative to “talked about.” It has almost the same basic meaning but can sound slightly more polished, especially in writing.
Best For
- Professional
- Formal
- Casual
Example 1
The speaker spoke about the future of renewable energy.
Example 2
We spoke about your proposal after the meeting.
Quick Tip
Use spoke about when you want to keep the original meaning and sentence structure while avoiding repetition.
6. Reviewed
Meaning
Reviewed means someone examined or went over information, plans, documents, or ideas. It usually suggests a more careful look rather than a casual conversation.
Best For
- Professional
- Formal
Example 1
The supervisor reviewed the new safety procedures with the staff.
Example 2
We reviewed the contract before signing it.
Quick Tip
Use reviewed when people examine existing information, rather than simply exchanging opinions about a subject.
7. Brought Up
Meaning
Brought up means someone introduced a topic into a conversation. It does not necessarily mean that the group discussed the subject at length.
Best For
- Casual
- Friendly
- Professional
Example 1
James brought up the budget during lunch.
Example 2
I wanted to bring up one concern before we move forward.
Quick Tip
This phrase is natural in everyday American English. For highly formal writing, raised or mentioned may be a better choice.
8. Explored
Meaning
Explored suggests looking into a topic carefully and considering different possibilities or ideas. It usually implies more depth than simply saying that people “talked about” something.
Best For
- Professional
- Formal
Example 1
The researchers explored several possible causes of the problem.
Example 2
Our team explored new strategies for reaching younger customers.
Quick Tip
Use explored when the discussion involved investigation, possibilities, options, or deeper consideration.
9. Debated
Meaning
Debated means people discussed a subject while considering different or opposing opinions. It is stronger than “talked about” because it suggests disagreement, argument, or competing viewpoints.
Best For
- Formal
- Professional
Example 1
The committee debated whether the policy should be changed.
Example 2
Students debated the advantages and disadvantages of the proposal.
Quick Tip
Do not use debated for every discussion. Choose it when participants actually considered opposing positions or arguments.
10. Referred To
Meaning
Referred to means someone mentioned or pointed to a particular subject, person, event, or idea. It often indicates a brief or indirect reference rather than a full discussion.
Best For
- Professional
- Formal
- Polite
Example 1
The CEO referred to the recent changes in her presentation.
Example 2
The article referred to several studies supporting the argument.
Quick Tip
Use referred to when the topic was mentioned as part of a larger conversation or piece of writing rather than discussed in depth.
Comparison Table
| Alternative | Best Used In | Tone |
|---|---|---|
| Discussed | Meetings, emails, general writing | Neutral / Professional |
| Mentioned | Brief references, conversations | Neutral / Casual |
| Addressed | Problems, concerns, important issues | Professional / Formal |
| Covered | Meetings, lessons, reports | Neutral / Professional |
| Spoke About | Conversations, presentations | Neutral |
| Reviewed | Documents, plans, information | Professional / Formal |
| Brought Up | Everyday conversations | Casual / Friendly |
| Explored | Ideas, options, possibilities | Professional / Formal |
| Debated | Opposing opinions or arguments | Formal / Professional |
| Referred To | Brief or indirect references | Formal / Neutral |
Common Mistakes
1. Using “Discussed About”
One of the most common mistakes is writing “discussed about.” Discuss normally takes the subject directly, so write “We discussed the problem,” not “We discussed about the problem.” “Talked about,” however, correctly uses about.
2. Treating Every Synonym as Identical
These alternatives have different meanings. “Mentioned” can describe a quick reference, while “debated” suggests opposing viewpoints. Choosing a synonym without considering its meaning can change the sentence.
3. Using Overly Formal Words in Casual Conversations
Words such as “addressed,” “examined,” or “deliberated” may sound unnatural in a relaxed conversation. Sometimes the simple phrase “talked about” is the best choice.
4. Using “Debated” When There Was No Disagreement
A discussion does not automatically become a debate. Use “debated” when people considered opposing views or arguments.
5. Ignoring the Amount of Detail
Think about how much attention the topic received. Mentioned suggests little detail, discussed suggests a conversation, and explored or reviewed can suggest deeper consideration.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best synonym for “talked about”?
The best general synonym for “talked about” is discussed. It works in casual and professional contexts and usually preserves the original meaning. However, the most accurate choice depends on the situation. Use “mentioned” for a brief reference, “addressed” for a specific issue, and “debated” when people considered opposing opinions.
Is “discussed” the same as “talked about”?
“Discussed” and “talked about” are very close in meaning, but they can differ slightly in tone. “Talked about” is more conversational and flexible, while “discussed” often sounds more direct or professional. Merriam-Webster defines “discuss” as talking about an issue, often from different points of view.
What is a professional way to say “talked about”?
Discussed is usually the safest professional alternative. Depending on the context, you can also use “addressed,” “reviewed,” “covered,” or “explored.” For example, “We discussed the proposal” sounds professional without being overly formal, while “The committee addressed the concerns” suggests that it dealt with specific concerns.
What is a casual way to say “talked about”?
For casual American English, brought up, spoke about, and simply talked about are natural choices. “Brought up” is particularly useful when someone introduces a new subject into a conversation. For example, “She brought up the trip during dinner” sounds relaxed and conversational.
Can I use “mentioned” instead of “talked about”?
Yes, but only when the context fits. “Mentioned” usually suggests that someone referred to a topic briefly rather than having a full conversation about it. “We mentioned the deadline” suggests a quick reference, while “We discussed the deadline” suggests that the deadline received more attention.
What is another way to say “we talked about”?
You can say we discussed, we spoke about, we reviewed, we covered, or we explored, depending on the situation. For a general professional sentence, “We discussed the issue” is usually the most natural replacement. For an informal conversation, “We spoke about the issue” also works well.
What is a formal way to say “talked about”?
Formal alternatives include discussed, addressed, reviewed, examined, explored, and referred to. The correct choice depends on the intended meaning. “Addressed” works well for concerns or problems, while “reviewed” fits plans and documents. Avoid choosing a formal synonym simply because it sounds more sophisticated.
Is “spoke about” grammatically correct?
Yes. Spoke about is a natural grammatical expression and can replace “talked about” in many sentences. For example, “She spoke about her experience” is correct. Cambridge notes that talk about normally takes “about” after “talk,” as in “We talked about politics.”
Conclusion
There are many natural ways to say “talked about,” but the best choice depends on what actually happened. For a straightforward replacement, discussed is usually the strongest option. If someone only referred to a topic briefly, choose mentioned or referred to. For a problem that received direct attention, addressed works better, while reviewed fits plans, documents, and existing information.
For deeper conversations about possibilities, explored adds the right sense of investigation. If people expressed opposing views, debated is more precise. The key is not to replace words simply for variety; choose the alternative that preserves the exact meaning and tone of your sentence. A precise synonym makes your English sound more natural, confident, and appropriate for the situation.
Adrian Vale is a digital content specialist focused on practical online content, emerging topics, and reader-focused publishing. He works on structuring articles for clarity and discoverability while keeping the writing natural, useful, and accessible to a broad audience.
