conversation

noun

con·​ver·​sa·​tion ˌkän-vər-ˈsā-shən How to pronounce conversation (audio)
Synonyms of conversation
1
a(1)
: oral exchange of sentiments, observations, opinions, or ideas
… we had talk enough but no conversation; there was nothing discussed.—Samuel Johnson
(2)
: an instance of such exchange : talk
a quiet conversation
b
: an informal discussion of an issue by representatives of governments, institutions, or groups
conversations among the senators
c
: an exchange similar to conversation
We had a conversation by email.
2
obsolete : conduct, behavior
conversational
ˌkän-vər-ˈsā-sh(ə-)nəl How to pronounce conversation (audio)
adjective
conversationally adverb

Synonyms of conversation

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Examples of conversation in a Sentence

Do you remember our conversation about that new movie? We got into a long conversation about his behavior. They were engaged in a lengthy conversation about politics. The topic came up in conversation. They were so deep in conversation that they barely noticed me. He kept trying to engage me in conversation. She's skilled in the art of conversation. an interesting topic of conversation We had a conversation by e-mail.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The air is full of the sounds of hundreds of conversations, the crackling of potato chip bags and the beeping horns of trams that race by with passengers who are running late. — Catherine E. Shoichet, CNN Money, 25 July 2026 The Heat and DeRozan have had mutual interest in the past, and conversations between the parties are expected. — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 25 July 2026 According to Helms, Wadesboro Mayor Pro Tem Garrett Snuggs and a third individual later joined the discussion, and the conversation became increasingly heated. — Nora O'Neill, Charlotte Observer, 25 July 2026 Historic preservation a ‘fraught’ conversation Today, Boise has 10 historic districts. — Mark Dee july 24, Idaho Statesman, 24 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for conversation

Word History

Etymology

Middle English conversacioun, from Anglo-French conversacion, from Latin conversation-, conversatio, from conversari to associate with, frequentative of convertere to turn around

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of conversation was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing conversation

Rhymes for conversation

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Browse Nearby Words

conversate
conversation
conversational
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Conversation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/conversation. Accessed 26 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

conversation

noun
con·​ver·​sa·​tion ˌkän-vər-ˈsā-shən How to pronounce conversation (audio)
: talking or a talk between two or more people
conversational
-ˈsā-shnəl How to pronounce conversation (audio)
-shən-ᵊl
adjective
conversationally
-ē
adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on conversation

Nglish: Translation of conversation for Spanish Speakers

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