pointed out
6 synonyms and 0 antonyms for pointed out, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — Past tense of point out: to draw someone's attention to a fact, especially one they have missed or would rather not face.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. verb
Past tense of point out: to draw someone's attention to a fact, especially one they have missed or would rather not face.
“She pointed out that the figures did not add up.”
2. verb
Past tense of point out in the literal sense: to show someone where something is, often by pointing at it.
“The guide pointed out the cathedral on the far side of the square.”
How to use pointed out
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Neutral and very common in reported speech and journalism. "Pointed out" quietly implies the statement is true, unlike "claimed" or "argued".
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between "pointed out" and "said"?
"Said" is neutral reporting. "Pointed out" suggests the speaker was drawing attention to something factual that others had overlooked, so it subtly implies the statement is accurate. Journalists avoid it when the claim is disputed.
Is it "pointed out that" or "pointed out the fact that"?
"Pointed out that" is cleaner and preferred. "The fact that" adds nothing and is usually cut in edited writing.