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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 palaver
Noah Rothman, National Review, 18 Jan. 2024
The palaver about Prime Minister Liz Truss’s failed tax-cut plan has obscured the way Mr. Bailey politicized the British central bank.
—The Editorial Board, WSJ, 18 Oct. 2022
Becca Rothfeld, The New Yorker, 19 Nov. 2019
See All Example Sentences for palaver
Noun
And to listen to them is to be privy to some of the most easily ignored palaver the global economic elite has to offer.
—Noah Rothman, National Review, 18 Jan. 2024
The palaver about Prime Minister Liz Truss’s failed tax-cut plan has obscured the way Mr. Bailey politicized the British central bank.
—The Editorial Board, WSJ, 18 Oct. 2022
Verb
On the one hand, Hrabal’s palavering bears a direct relation to reality.
—Becca Rothfeld, The New Yorker, 19 Nov. 2019
See All Example Sentences for palaver
Recent Examples of Synonyms for palaver
Noun
-
While e-bikes may have sparked the discussion, the possible ordinance would also apply to bikes, scooters and skateboards.—
Terell Bailey,
CBS News,
6 June 2026
-
Still, Bartos argues the pace and scope of reform changed dramatically once the United States began applying pressure through budget negotiations and funding discussions.—
Efrat Lachter,
FOXNews.com,
6 June 2026
Noun
-
In December 2024, Lipa posted photos featuring a diamond ring on her left ring finger, spurring engagement chatter.—
Alexandra Del Rosario,
Los Angeles Times,
1 June 2026
-
There’s plenty of chatter behind the scenes about more stories to come after the torrent of revelations since Platner announced his campaign.—
Burgess Everett,
semafor.com,
1 June 2026
Verb
-
Nice to be around, to work with, nice to chat with between scenes, the whole picture.—
Alessandra Codinha,
InStyle,
3 June 2026
-
The fest’s Storyteller Series will highlight Finneas O’Connell chatting with composer Anthony Willis and Este Haim with writer/director Will Gluck.—
Melissa Ruggieri,
USA Today,
3 June 2026
Verb
-
In the course of a single session, the harried Paula (played by Tatiana Maslany) gets a hot, younger guy to listen to her complain about her ex-husband, offer feedback on her home-decorating ideas, and coax her into a climax—all in a few short minutes.—
Inkoo Kang,
New Yorker,
28 May 2026
-
Has anyone had success with these colorful callas, coaxing them to bloom year after year as advertised?—
Joshua Siskin,
Oc Register,
27 May 2026
Noun
-
Over five years, more than 400 maternity care providers have enrolled in BH Impact, with the psychiatric consultation service supporting care for more than 440 pregnant patients.—
Mary C. Mayhew,
Sun Sentinel,
4 June 2026
-
Lusenga, however, warned that staying away from clinics could mean missing crucial prenatal and postnatal care consultations.—
Mark Banchereau,
Chicago Tribune,
4 June 2026
Noun
-
De la Espriella, who has never before held public office, also promises to sever peace talks with armed groups and unleash a full-on offensive against rebels.—
Alfie Pannell,
Miami Herald,
31 May 2026
-
Anxiety over ChatGPT and other emerging technology helped derail talks with both unions and the AMPTP in 2023, leading to crippling dual strikes.—
Dade Hayes,
Deadline,
31 May 2026
Verb
-
Players will still be able to cover their mouths when conversing normally, but outlawing the act during disagreements is designed to remove plausible deniability for any player accused of making discriminatory remarks while their mouth is obscured.—
Jordan Campbell,
New York Times,
31 May 2026
-
Modway’s luxe daybed is the statement piece that turns a patio into a paradise, and the roomy design offers a go-to spot for reading, napping, and conversing.—
Mariana Best,
Better Homes & Gardens,
29 May 2026
Noun
-
The food, beverage, pharmaceutical, chemical, and agribusiness lobbies do not need to defeat MAHA in public debate.—
Ed Gaskin,
Boston Herald,
30 May 2026
-
What the candidates have said about affordability The candidates offered their ideas for making California more affordable during debates in April and May as well as on their websites.—
Karen Garcia,
Los Angeles Times,
30 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Palaver.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/palaver. Accessed 8 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
