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
-
OutKick/Fox News Digital asked Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson before the game whether the team had talked to Wembanyama about the anthem discussion and whether Wembanyama would be on the floor for the anthem before Game 5.—
Dan Zaksheske OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
14 June 2026
-
The question of whether blue light glasses work as advertised has moved from a niche eye-care discussion to a mainstream consumer concern, especially as screen time climbs and shoppers spend money on lenses that promise better sleep, less eye strain and sharper focus.—
Samantha Agate,
Miami Herald,
13 June 2026
Noun
-
Political chatter was less direct for much of the evening, with most discussion limited to how honored the fighters were to be competing at the White House, with an emphasis on celebrating veterans and first responders.—
William Earl,
Variety,
15 June 2026
-
Not that that chatter didn’t exist.—
Sara Germano,
Sportico.com,
15 June 2026
Verb
-
Come dinnertime, be sure to chat with the restaurant's sommelier for a stellar wine to pair with your meal.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
11 June 2026
-
Inside the motel, Paula chats with Sky.—
Erin Qualey,
Vulture,
10 June 2026
Verb
-
Peters crouched down and used a little body language to try to coax the ball fair.—
Paul Sullivan,
Chicago Tribune,
14 June 2026
-
In 2024, Peruvian police dressed an officer in a bear costume on the eve of Valentine's Day and armed him with balloons and gifts to coax a female drug suspect from her home.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
13 June 2026
Noun
-
Screen Producers Australia has lodged a 22-recommendation submission to the Australian government’s National Cultural Policy consultation, putting the market power of streaming platforms over independent producers at the center of its push for structural reform.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
11 June 2026
-
As a result, what might once have been considered a minor issue may now involve diagnostic imaging, specialist consultations or prescription medications that quickly add up.—
Angelica Leicht,
CBS News,
11 June 2026
Noun
-
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Islamabad was preparing for an electronic signing, to be followed by technical-level talks in the coming week.—
Mike Snider,
USA Today,
15 June 2026
-
If vulnerability feels risky, slow the pace and keep the talk on facts first, then add feelings once both sides steady.—
Tarot.com,
Sun Sentinel,
14 June 2026
Verb
-
The chatbot, capable of conversing in natural language, captivated global audiences and has since developed advanced coding, voice interaction and image generation capabilities.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
10 June 2026
-
In the trailer, Cusack is seen conversing with Woody about what's to come.—
Charna Flam,
PEOPLE,
10 June 2026
Noun
-
The debate over growth in Davis is unlikely to end with Measure V.—
Daniel Lempres,
Sacbee.com,
13 June 2026
-
The league is finally recovering from a turbulent decade during which television ratings dropped by nearly 48% as many of its most prominent players, coaches and executives increasingly inserted themselves into partisan political debates.—
Bobby Burack OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
12 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Palaver.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/palaver. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
