banter 1 of 2

Definition of banternext

banter

2 of 2

verb

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of banter
Noun
In lesser hands, this could have been confusing; instead all the banter between a rock-spider-crawly alien entity and a handsome de-facto astronaut comes across as engaging and funny. Randy Myers, Mercury News, 18 Mar. 2026 There’s a tremendous sweetness to the film and its central relationships, but the banter ping-pongs swiftly between the intimate and the darkly absurd. Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 18 Mar. 2026
Verb
Siwa and Hughes playfully bantered about a potential engagement ahead of spending their first Christmas together. Erin Clack, PEOPLE, 13 Jan. 2026 Its sprawling dining hall brought in countless families, partiers, dates and football fans who wanted to banter over fries, salads and sandwiches and watch the world pass by on the other side of the glass. Miguel Otárola, Denver Post, 30 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for banter
Recent Examples of Synonyms for banter
Noun
  • But over the course of nine innings and a few beers, there is plenty of time to catch up, joke around, give each other a hard time.
    Bill Goodykoontz, AZCentral.com, 26 Mar. 2026
  • Last year, Carr warned broadcast stations after Kimmel made a joke about the response on the right to the assassination of Charlie Kirk.
    Ted Johnson, Deadline, 26 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Looks like Love Story got the last laugh.
    Chris Murphy, Vanity Fair, 27 Mar. 2026
  • The two teammates shared a laugh.
    Ryan Brennan March 25, Charlotte Observer, 25 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Left on their own, boisterous badinage between old school British thespian Shaw and giggly, hyper-ventilating wannabe movie star Dreyfuss has taken hold.
    Christopher Smith, Oc Register, 10 Mar. 2026
  • The action flows, the badinage is fast and fun.
    Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 28 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • With so much experience playing Head, Claassen is easily able to improvise in the moment answering random questions, cracking jokes and exchanging repartee with audience members, like the unfortunate man in row B who dared to show up at the theater on Friday in a casual sweatshirt.
    Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Feb. 2026
  • Instead of witty repartee or slick delivery, expect genuineness, a generosity of spirit, and a feeling of being nurtured and taken care of.
    Megan Spurrell, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Any amount of singing or jesting will be heard by all.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 24 Mar. 2026
  • Language There’s some crude language, jesting, and mature comedic themes, but but nothing the modern tween or teen hasn’t seen or heard before.
    Lynnette Nicholas, Parents, 8 Dec. 2025
Noun
  • Gosling seems like a strong fit given his knack for blending self-deprecating and sometimes oddball humor with some serious dramatic chops.
    Brian Welk, IndieWire, 26 Mar. 2026
  • The Kennedy Center has presented the award since 1998 as a way to recognize those who have made significant contributions to humor and commentary in the United States.
    ABC News, ABC News, 26 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
Noun
  • With time, their caustic raillery transforms into sincere attachment.
    Charlie Tyson, The Atlantic, 13 May 2021
  • French’s evocation of place, a rural way of life and overall creepiness are superb, as is the dialogue, a festival of Irish raillery and repartee.
    Washington Post, Washington Post, 14 Oct. 2020

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Cite this Entry

“Banter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/banter. Accessed 3 Apr. 2026.

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