1
as in discussion
an exchange of views for the purpose of exploring a subject or deciding an issue
seemingly endless palaver between the negotiating parties
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in chatter
friendly, informal conversation or an instance of this
we should get together and have a nice palaver sometime
Synonyms & Similar Words
1
as in to chat
to engage in casual or rambling conversation
mothers palavering and drinking coffee while watching their children play
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in to coax
to get (someone) to do something by gentle urging, special attention, or flattery
I let the salesclerk at the electronics store palaver me into a service contract that I didn't need
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of palaver
Noah Rothman, National Review, 18 Jan. 2024
The palaver about Prime Minister Liz Truss’s failed tax-cut plan has obscured the way Mr. Bailey politicized the British central bank.
—The Editorial Board, WSJ, 18 Oct. 2022
Becca Rothfeld, The New Yorker, 19 Nov. 2019
See All Example Sentences for palaver
Noun
And to listen to them is to be privy to some of the most easily ignored palaver the global economic elite has to offer.
—Noah Rothman, National Review, 18 Jan. 2024
The palaver about Prime Minister Liz Truss’s failed tax-cut plan has obscured the way Mr. Bailey politicized the British central bank.
—The Editorial Board, WSJ, 18 Oct. 2022
Verb
On the one hand, Hrabal’s palavering bears a direct relation to reality.
—Becca Rothfeld, The New Yorker, 19 Nov. 2019
See All Example Sentences for palaver
Recent Examples of Synonyms for palaver
Noun
-
Fourteen months after Crow-Armstrong and the Cubs started contract discussions, the sides agreed to a six-year, $115 million extension through the 2032 season.—
Meghan Montemurro,
Chicago Tribune,
28 Mar. 2026
-
The very structure of the discussion can begin to suppress caution.—
Jane Sadowsky,
Fortune,
28 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Like all the best restaurants in Rome, Piatto Romano welcomes a steady stream of Italians for lunch and dinner, who fill the restaurant with chatter and laughter.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
31 Mar. 2026
-
The chatter around streaming bots grew noticeably louder in August 2025, when a prison phone call between Young Thug and an unidentified associate leaked online.—
Kyle Eustice,
VIBE.com,
30 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Plus, the star sat for an interview about all things Hannah with Call Her Daddy host Alex Cooper, chatted with parents Billy Ray and Tish Cyrus, and recalled everything from Taylor Swift’s cameo in the Hannah Montana movie to touring with The Jonas Brothers.—
Hannah Dailey,
Billboard,
24 Mar. 2026
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This is the same pair who were just chatting in the crew mess.—
Rafaela Bassili,
Vulture,
24 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Although the Angels won, 6-2, on Friday night, the Astros worked Angels starter Yusei Kikuchi hard enough to get him out of the game after just 4⅓ innings, which left the Angels with 4⅔ innings to coax from the bullpen.—
Jeff Fletcher,
Oc Register,
29 Mar. 2026
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An excavator was used on Thursday to dig an escape channel after earlier unsuccessful efforts to coax the whale back toward deeper water, including using coast guard and fire department boats to create large waves.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
28 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The directors’ lab will support filmmakers preparing their first features, while the writers’ lab will offer workshops, table reads, peer mentorship and one-on-one consultations to help emerging screenwriters refine their scripts.—
Elsa Keslassy,
Variety,
26 Mar. 2026
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The process for patients to get approval to die involves submitting two requests in writing followed up by consultations with medical professionals not previously involved in the case.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
26 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
But the proposal was full of cartoonishly goofy faux spy talk.—
David D. Kirkpatrick,
New Yorker,
30 Mar. 2026
-
Pakistan said Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Egypt will send top diplomats to Islamabad for talks aimed at ending the war, arriving Sunday for a two-day visit.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
29 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Whilst most Fortune 500 Europe companies have not officially stated that English is a necessity, it’s almost assumed that at the C-Suite or senior level, individuals can converse in English.—
Aslesha Mehta,
Fortune,
23 Mar. 2026
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Set on a remote Scottish island, the film follows siblings Isla (Rankin) and Sandy (O’Rourke), who spend their days hunting birds, conversing with mythical beings, and fiercely fending off outsiders.—
Matt Grobar,
Deadline,
19 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Abbott, Patrick brawl over complete ban The debate over a complete ban on THC was one of the most high-profile issues in the Texas Legislature's regular session last year.—
Steven Rosenbaum,
CBS News,
27 Mar. 2026
-
At its core, this debate is a value judgment about what belongs in a basic high school education.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
27 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Palaver.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/palaver. Accessed 1 Apr. 2026.
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