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 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
  • Advertisement In many circles, the first mention of climate policy in the EU tends to be a discussion about backtracking.
    — Justin Worland, Time, 3 Oct. 2026
  • More Before lawmakers departed Washington to focus on campaigning ahead of the November elections, AI companies were still in active discussions on Capitol Hill.
    — Ashley Gold, semafor.com, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of discussion
Noun
  • These birds, with their intense, sharp eyes and bold, sturdy appearance, are selective in their social bonds and communicate in loud, rattling chatter.
    — Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 28 Sep. 2026
  • The group, including Shawn Mendes, Bruna Marquezine, and Edward Norton, relaxed and unwinded as conversations and chatter got louder.
    — Lucrezia Malavolta, Vogue, 27 Sep. 2026
Definition of chatter
Noun
  • To address those inequities, the bill required financial assistance to tribes, protection of tribal uses and more consultation on water projects.
    — Andrew Graham, Sacbee.com, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Every stay is bespoke, but the latter include a one-hour consultation with the resident Ayurvedic doctor in order to prescribe an itinerary comprising daily spa, fitness and rituals.
    — Kathryn Romeyn, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Sep. 2026
Definition of consultation
Noun
  • Tap the new chat button at the bottom right of the homepage to start interacting with the AI tool.
    — Jibin Joseph, PC Magazine, 30 Sep. 2026
  • The customer service chat is one of the easiest to use and reach a representative.
    — OutKick, FOXNews.com, 30 Sep. 2026
Definition of chat
Noun
  • As offshore wind farms become increasingly larger and more dense, this moves beyond the familiar military/air-traffic-radar debate and into whether coastal vessel-tracking systems can reliably see small craft moving among turbines.
    — Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 26 Sep. 2026
  • Kaczynski learns that he was manipulated, and that Murray and his team had been studying his response to stress during these debates to better understand soldiers returning from war and to see what makes young men submit.
    — Jane LaCroix, PEOPLE, 26 Sep. 2026
Definition of debate
Noun
  • The indirect talks come as the conflict, which is entering its eighth month, has caused global economic damage and badly battered Iran.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 29 Sep. 2026
  • Progress in talks will be a main focus for markets, as regional mediators push for ceasefire negotiations, said Mahmoud Mashal, senior market analyst of VT Markets Dubai, adding that any meaningful progress could drive crude lower.
    — Justina Lee, CNBC, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of talk
Noun
  • Complimentary fitness classes, one-on-one personal training, nutrition consults, Pilates, breathing classes, and flow yoga are among many other options.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Sep. 2026
  • Morgan Shipley 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.
    — Morgan Shipley, The Conversation, 21 Sep. 2026
Definition of consult
Noun
  • Boards and CEOs perform best when looking upwards with vision instead of being distracted by the gossip on the street.
    — Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Fortune, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Hilton came and went, but the internet had discovered how fun gossip could be without the tabloids.
    — Lindsey Weber, Vanity Fair, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of gossip

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Cite this Entry

“Confabulation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/confabulation. Accessed 3 Oct. 2026.

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