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
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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
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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
-
The weather service considered a winter storm watch with potential blizzard conditions, but held off because confidence is not high enough to expect visibility cut to a quarter mile or less with only an inch or two of snow expected, according to its forecast discussion.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
14 Mar. 2026
-
Some highlights from the discussion follow.—
Brian Hiatt,
Rolling Stone,
14 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Sony Noise Cancelling Headphones Deal Powered by two processors and eight microphones, the Sony WH-1000XM5 give you industry-leading noise cancellation that effectively eliminates the sound of traffic, office chatter, or airplane engines.—
Juhi Wadia,
PC Magazine,
9 Mar. 2026
-
The sound rose with laughter, casual chatter and the low hum of a crowd finally allowed to eat.—
Monti Carlo,
AJC.com,
8 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Laughter rippled through the 2,000-square-foot space as diners chatted over complimentary rice cookies and steaming cups of Persian chai infused with rose petals.—
Angela Osorio,
Los Angeles Times,
11 Mar. 2026
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From doing research ahead of time to respecting the wildlife, Travel + Leisure chatted with national park representatives to get tips on how to make the most of a national park trip—and what rangers wish visitors did differently.—
Iona Brannon,
Travel + Leisure,
11 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
That’s not exactly the same, of course, but both use a similar maturation method to coax extra flavors out of the liquid, specifically notes of vanilla, maple, butterscotch, and spice.—
Jonah Flicker,
Robb Report,
15 Mar. 2026
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Work-from-home orders came back in some countries after years of companies trying to coax workers back to offices after the pandemic, with Vietnam and Thailand reportedly getting employees to work remotely.—
Lim Hui Jie,Sawdah Bhaimiya,
CNBC,
15 Mar. 2026
Noun
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International patients typically want predictable scheduling, clear pricing and a pathway that feels managed from the first consultation to the final follow-up.—
Connie Etemadi,
Kansas City Star,
12 Mar. 2026
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As tech companies roll out platforms specifically designed for health care consultation, AI is rapidly becoming a key player in many people's medical decisions.—
Katia Riddle,
NPR,
11 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Cuba's President Miguel Díaz-Canel said on Friday, March 13, that the country opened talks with the United States as the island faces one of its most severe economic crises in decades.—
Jarrett Renshaw,
USA Today,
16 Mar. 2026
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The brand will also host industry talks, buyer previews at the Mode trade show, and public exhibitions during the week — a format that increasingly reflects how Chinese brands use fashion week as a multi-platform moment spanning both industry and consumer audiences.—
Yiling Pan,
Vogue,
16 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Later at a restaurant, the rest of the Clyburn clan is more engaged with their devices than conversing as a family.—
Aramide Tinubu,
Variety,
13 Mar. 2026
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As in his previous books, Pollan employs a travelogue approach to exploring these topics, conversing with a bevy of experts, including neuroscientists, philosophers, and artists of various kinds.—
The Week US,
TheWeek,
11 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The debate comes down, inescapably, to the question of alignment.—
Gideon Lewis-Kraus,
New Yorker,
14 Mar. 2026
-
Six candidates were asked to participate in the March 24 debate, which is cosponsored by ABC7 Los Angeles and Univision.—
Seema Mehta,
Los Angeles Times,
14 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Palaver.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/palaver. Accessed 17 Mar. 2026.
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