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
  • After an hour of intense discussion, panelists opened the floor for questions from the wide-eyed congregants.
    — Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 18 July 2026
  • Earlier Thursday, Padilla also convened faith leaders and political figures in a roundtable discussion to defend voting rights and remember the legacy of civil rights hero John Lewis.
    — Mathew Miranda, Sacbee.com, 17 July 2026
Definition of discussion
Noun
  • Yet there had been chatter than the show, from New Regency and Chernin Entertainment, may not continue.
    — Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 17 July 2026
  • An idealist could view the competing chatter as throat-clearing typical of a high-stakes labor negotiation.
    — Andy McCullough, New York Times, 15 July 2026
Definition of chatter
Noun
  • Additionally, the resort is hosting a retreat (September 17 to 20) to celebrate the launch of its Longevity Clinic, which will incorporate yoga, consultations, breathwork and stunning Five-Star Nizuc Spa by ESPA.
    — Forbes Travel Guide, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
  • Express Flooring’s installation process starts with scheduling a free consultation, either online or by phone.
    — Sharon Wu, USA Today, 17 July 2026
Definition of consultation
Noun
  • Chanel’s Hydra Beauty Camellia Repair Mask is on my bedside table and Summer Fridays’ Jet Lag Mask and eye patches are favorites in my group chats.
    — Caroline Reilly, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
  • Group chats operated around the clock, filled with memes, tactical analysis and predictions that aged poorly within minutes.
    — Maria Santana, CNN Money, 21 July 2026
Definition of chat
Noun
  • Much of the conversation around the BBC’s coverage has been dominated by the studio debate.
    — Tom Burrows, New York Times, 18 July 2026
  • September 23 – October 22 The debate may not be worth the nervous-system bill.
    — Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 July 2026
Definition of debate
Noun
  • Patel arrived in Jakarta shortly after talks with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet concerning joint efforts to combat international online scam operations that cheat victims out of billions of dollars annually.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 23 July 2026
  • There was talk after every season about Bill threatening to quit and the board talking him out of it.
    — James Pearce, New York Times, 22 July 2026
Definition of talk
Noun
  • Matthew Pittman 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.
    — Matthew Pittman, The Conversation, 17 July 2026
  • Benny’s work schedule is consult-based, with staff members or caregivers requesting his services.
    — Zuri Primos June 29, Kansas City Star, 29 June 2026
Definition of consult
Noun
  • Taylor, a recovering addict, wasn’t drinking alcohol, the source told the gossip outlet, adding that the 47-year-old was in town to participate in a 5K to benefit local nonprofit Recovery Through Repetition at Boca Raton Innovation Campus park.
    — Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 17 July 2026
  • Federici believes society cannot view the devaluation of gossip as separate from the devaluation of women's life, actions and knowledge.
    — Jaclyn Diaz, NPR, 16 July 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 25 Jul. 2026.

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