1
as in discussion
an exchange of views for the purpose of exploring a subject or deciding an issue
seemingly endless palaver between the negotiating parties
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in chatter
friendly, informal conversation or an instance of this
we should get together and have a nice palaver sometime
Synonyms & Similar Words
1
as in to chat
to engage in casual or rambling conversation
mothers palavering and drinking coffee while watching their children play
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in to coax
to get (someone) to do something by gentle urging, special attention, or flattery
I let the salesclerk at the electronics store palaver me into a service contract that I didn't need
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of palaver
Charles Selle,
Chicago Tribune,
14 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for palaver
Noun
All the palaver over a new stadium, though, can be shelved until the Bears’ season is officially over.
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Charles Selle,
Chicago Tribune,
14 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for palaver
Recent Examples of Synonyms for palaver
Noun
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During Thursday evening’s Board of Commissioners meeting, officials unanimously, and with no additional discussion, approved Johnston’s exit agreement and named Assistant County Administrator Alan Howze as his replacement for the rest of the year.
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Immediately, the call sparked online debate and discussion that will surely continue into next week.
Noun
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In the last year or two, there was chatter and debate whether Messi would actually be selected to join the national team again.
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If circumstances had gone Spain’s way with more clinical finishing or a Cape Verde defender making a mistake, then the result would have been different and a lot of the chatter currently happening (including here) would likely not be happening.
Verb
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Serena’s name was on everyone’s lips, with fans chatting about the American’s chances and journalists jostling for position to get their hands on a reserved media seat.
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Craig joined us to chat about his new show, his love for America, and his experience with becoming an American citizen.
Verb
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Imanaga recovered a bit after the leadoff home run, but the Cardinals lineup coaxed long at-bats and drove up his pitch count, chasing the left-hander from the game after 4 2/3 innings.
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With such flexibility, this kind of synthetic cell could eventually be coaxed to create new materials, such as biofuels and drugs, and help researchers study disease.
Noun
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The agency made the changes without the customary professional consultations, KFF has reported.
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His expensive and ambitious campaign has been conducted with little congressional consultation or oversight, shaped entirely by one man.
Noun
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The talks come after the Qatari prime minister met with US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner on Tuesday to discuss ongoing US-Iran talks and regional developments.
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Peace talks between the two countries are still inching along, with one of the key points up for discussion being how to regulate the flow of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
Verb
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Many decades worth of politicians have sipped Cafecito at the famous coffee counter window, La Ventanita, meeting there to converse with Miami’s Hispanic community.
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Property management teams are encouraged to converse with residents to gain their off-the-cuff thoughts about the value of different amenities, Khouri says.
Noun
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And a red card against an American soccer star sparks debate.
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But most companies run scenario-planning exercises, only to rehearse their debates about what to do once a crisis hits.
Cite this Entry
“Palaver.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/palaver. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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