Definition of gossipnext
1
as in gossiper
a person who habitually reveals personal or sensational facts about others because her friend was such a compulsive gossip, she couldn't help but wonder if her private life wasn't also being made the talk of the town

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2
3
as in rumor
information or opinion that is widely disseminated without any authority or confirmation of accuracy idle gossip can really damage a person's reputation even if it is later proven to be false

Synonyms & Similar Words

gossip

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 gossip
Noun
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 After the birth of the star system in Hollywood, Parsons and Hopper rose to prominence as gossip columnists who could make and break careers, and choose to keep or expose celebrities’ secrets. — Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 27 Oct. 2026
Verb
The last time the men did a show together was July 26, gossiping about everyone from Ariana Grande to Giulana Rancic. — Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 6 Aug. 2026 Their classmates had spent weeks gossiping and crying over who was hanging out with who, who might keep seeing each other once the term was over. — ABC News, 4 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for gossip
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gossip
Noun
  • Celebrity gossiper Rob Shuter reported that the two recently let go of a number of their staff.
    — Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 3 Sep. 2025
  • Her staff figured out how to get rid of the gossiper.
    — Ronda Racha Penrice, HollywoodReporter, 10 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • The $120 whole chicken sparked plenty of online chatter, though the $65 half-chicken is substantial enough for a party of four.
    — Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2026
  • There has been chatter about teams tanking to avoid being elevated to the Open Division.
    — Chris Hays, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • While rumors in Haiti persist that the men may have been beheaded by the gangs, Bukele described them as being taken hostage.
    — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 23 Oct. 2026
  • In the downtown community, there had been rumors of a reopening over the years, but that seemed less likely as time went on.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Pat Hynes talks with supporters after defeating Fritz Kaegi for the Democratic nomination for Cook County assessor on primary election night, March 17, 2026, at Salerno's Pizzeria & Sports Bar in Hodgkins.
    — A.D. Quig, Chicago Tribune, 4 Nov. 2026
  • This is aggravating because Matt’s arrogance is extremely annoying, and Alex keeps giving him reasons to talk.
    — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 3 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • Cosmetics brands, retailers and AI chat platforms now invite shoppers to scan their faces or upload photos to preview a lipstick shade, a pair of glasses or a new dress.
    — Lauren Schuster, Charlotte Observer, 4 Nov. 2026
  • Once in office, Johnson quickly pulled closer to Trump — so close that Johnson candidly recounts their almost daily phone calls and chats, often offering his impressions in the president’s voice.
    — Lisa Mascaro, Los Angeles Times, 4 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • In the halls of NYC’s immigration court, the casual chitchat of ICE agents waiting to arrest their unsuspecting targets stands in stark contrast to the horrors these detainees are likely to face.
    — Matthew Carey, Deadline, 14 Oct. 2026
  • Their chitchat is strained by the knowledge that the exchange is transactional.
    — E. Tammy Kim, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Gossip.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gossip. Accessed 6 Nov. 2026.

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