conversation

noun

con·ver·sa·tion ˌkän-vər-ˈsā-shən

Synonyms of conversation next

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

: an informal discussion of an issue by representatives of governments, institutions, or groups

conversations among the senators

: an exchange similar to conversation

We had a conversation by email.

obsolete : conduct, behavior

conversational

ˌkän-vər-ˈsā-shnəl

-shə-nᵊl

adjective

conversationally adverb

Example Sentences

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. See More

Recent Examples on the Web The files include summaries of human intelligence on high-level conversations between world leaders, as well as information about advanced satellite technology the United States uses to spy. —

Devlin Barrett, Washington Post, 18 May 2023 During a complicated Hot Topics conversation about a teacher who recently used the N-word inside a Missouri classroom, Whoopi Goldberg reflected on the slur's complex history at The View — particularly with show creator and longtime cohost, Barbara Walters, who died in December at age 93. —

Joey Nolfi, EW.com, 17 May 2023 Late last month, a ban earlier in pregnancy failed to pass the legislature, sparking furious conversations among Republicans and antiabortion advocates on the path forward. —

Caroline Kitchener And Rachel Roubein, Anchorage Daily News, 17 May 2023 As rural researchers, our conversations with policymakers suggest that there may be bipartisan support to help increase access to affordable quality rural child care as lawmakers hear from families. —

Florence Becot, The Conversation, 17 May 2023 When cop Ashleigh Francis calls on Alison to lip read the conversations of some dangerous criminals, she is plunged into a new and exhilarating world. —

Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 17 May 2023 Not only have the duo's date nights sent the rumor mill into a frenzy, waiting with bated breath for Kenny and Benito to officially confirm their 'ship, but their date night ensembles are igniting conversations of their own. —

Jasmine Washington, Seventeen, 17 May 2023 Council members also spent more than an hour behind closed doors in private conversations with legal counsel about Yaroslavsky’s motion. —

Dakota Smith, Los Angeles Times, 17 May 2023 Gentle recommends having these critical conversations early on, because delays will only make repaying more costly. —

Suchita Nayar, BostonGlobe.com, 17 May 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'conversation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

See more words from the same century