talk around
phrasal verb
talked around; talking around; talks around
1
: to avoid talking about (a particular subject) especially because it is difficult, unpleasant, or embarrassing
They've been talking around the real issue rather than addressing it directly.
2
: to cause (someone) to accept and support something (such as an idea) after opposing it
She says she doesn't agree with it, but we'll talk her around eventually.
—often + toWe can talk her around to our way of thinking.
Examples of talk around in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Multiple times, Stefanski deflected or talked around questions about whether Sanders’ performance would affect the team’s thinking or division of reps in the ongoing quarterback competition.
—
Zac Jackson, New York Times, 9 Aug. 2025
On top of a dedicated program of showcases, panels, workshops and talks around small-screen players on July 8 and 9, the festival will host the Pop Up Series Incubator, a new series development program designed to support European producers and scriptwriters.
—Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 5 July 2025
Since being eliminated from the first round of the NBA playoffs, much of the talk around the Milwaukee Bucks has been around star forward Giannis Antetokounmpo.
—Matt Levine, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 May 2025
The scene may be over a decade old now, but Williams didn’t mind reigniting the talk around that intimate exchange, especially as Girls was already heading toward a new wave of viewership.
—Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 20 June 2025
There are also talks around cutting or removing tariffs on Mexican steel, another plus as the North American neighbors get set to renegotiate the USMCA next year.
—Brett Owens, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025
There’s a lot of talk around the culinary industry being sort of the man’s kitchen and all of that.
—Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 21 May 2025
The guilty plea comes as the U.S. and Iran have recently engaged in indirect talks around Tehran’s nuclear program despite a long-standing tense relationship between the two nations.
—Tara Suter, The Hill, 17 Apr. 2025
Swift's perspective is notably unconcerned by the talk around her; instead, the singer focuses on a romance undeterred by criticism.
—Zoey Lyttle, People.com, 19 May 2025
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.
Zac Jackson, New York Times, 9 Aug. 2025
On top of a dedicated program of showcases, panels, workshops and talks around small-screen players on July 8 and 9, the festival will host the Pop Up Series Incubator, a new series development program designed to support European producers and scriptwriters.
—Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 5 July 2025
Since being eliminated from the first round of the NBA playoffs, much of the talk around the Milwaukee Bucks has been around star forward Giannis Antetokounmpo.
—Matt Levine, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 May 2025
The scene may be over a decade old now, but Williams didn’t mind reigniting the talk around that intimate exchange, especially as Girls was already heading toward a new wave of viewership.
—Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 20 June 2025
There are also talks around cutting or removing tariffs on Mexican steel, another plus as the North American neighbors get set to renegotiate the USMCA next year.
—Brett Owens, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025
There’s a lot of talk around the culinary industry being sort of the man’s kitchen and all of that.
—Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 21 May 2025
The guilty plea comes as the U.S. and Iran have recently engaged in indirect talks around Tehran’s nuclear program despite a long-standing tense relationship between the two nations.
—Tara Suter, The Hill, 17 Apr. 2025
Swift's perspective is notably unconcerned by the talk around her; instead, the singer focuses on a romance undeterred by criticism.
—Zoey Lyttle, People.com, 19 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Talk around.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/talk%20around. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share