confabulation

noun

1
as in discussion
an exchange of views for the purpose of exploring a subject or deciding an issue there seemed to be some sort of lengthy confabulation going on in the next room

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in chatter
friendly, informal conversation or an instance of this began our confabulation with that traditional icebreaker: an innocuous discussion of the weather

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 confabulation Hallucinations and ‘confabulations’ Unfortunately, for anyone using AI to save time and use less labor, AI errors are often hard to spot. — Kaitlin Newkirk, The Conversation, 14 Oct. 2026 Some scientists say the persistent challenge of AI confabulation may never be fixed. — Parmy Olson, Mercury News, 7 Mar. 2026 Actual researchers can evaluate the AI bot's suggestions against their deep knowledge of their field, spotting errors and rejecting confabulations. — ArsTechnica, 25 Aug. 2025 Often, such confabulations appear to be truthful and can mislead users accordingly. — Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 25 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for confabulation
  1. discussion
  2. chatter
  3. consultation
  4. chat
  5. debate
  6. talk
  7. consult
  8. gossip
Noun
  • California lawmakers began a discussion Thursday about removing the cap on the state’s $750 million incentive for film and TV production, while acknowledging that such a move would face budget hurdles.
    — Gene Maddaus, Variety, 30 Oct. 2026
  • Messages recovered from a defendant’s phone included a photograph with the child and discussions about a connecting flight to Houston.
    — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of discussion
Noun
  • After maybe 10,000 individual motes of noise that chatter like mouse clicks, the song ends with a slow, jangly fadeout.
    — Kieran Press-Reynolds, Pitchfork, 26 Oct. 2026
  • Schulman added that SpaceX’s mobile carrier strategy is already apparent, citing industry chatter.
    — Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of chatter
Noun
  • The store features eyewear displays and consultation areas, a dedicated space for eye examinations, an on-site workshop for lens fittings and adjustments, and a VIP area.
    — Ryma Chikhoune, Footwear News, 29 Oct. 2026
  • Then a five-minute pitch turned into a half-four consultation.
    — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of consultation
Noun
  • The panel Marini was speaking on, ‘Unlocking the Global Potential of Japanese IP’, organized by the Motion Picture Association and UniJapan, also featured fireside chats with Matsuhashi and Maeda, followed by a Q&A session.
    — Liz Shackleton, Deadline, 28 Oct. 2026
  • The only individual who’s maybe on Erika’s side is, of all people, Benita, who has a chat with Blake at the aforementioned messy meetup.
    — Emma Sharpe, Vulture, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of chat
Noun
  • Essential California asked the bishop about his letter and the church’s role in the immigration debate while checking in with a couple of Catholic scholars who offered their perspectives.
    — Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 25 Oct. 2026
  • This seems like a perfectly reasonable debate/dialogue/deliberation to have without everybody--well, most bodies--running for the exits.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of debate
Noun
  • The four countries agreed Monday to continue talks on expanding cooperation among them, particularly about regional peace and security, a statement said.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 27 Oct. 2026
  • Those talks collapsed over price and worries about antitrust pushback, neither of which hold true today.
    — Rohan Goswami, semafor.com, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of talk
Noun
  • Danielle Friedman does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
    — Danielle Friedman, The Conversation, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Expect more brands to pair products with questionnaires, telehealth consults or at-home test kits.
    — Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of consult
Noun
  • Saved screenshots can be seen on various gossip pages, including RadarOnline.
    — Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 29 Oct. 2026
  • The old lanes of gossip dissemination, like tabloid journalism and celebrity-interest television, are largely obsolete now, eliminating the need for gatekeepers and preordained authors of cultural fiction.
    — Ivy Wolk, Vulture, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of gossip

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confabulation
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Cite this Entry

“Confabulation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/confabulation. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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