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
-
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
-
But sidle up to the bar, eerily silent until the restaurant quickly fills with chatter, and order a stiff drink before settling into a table and digging into heaping plates of pasta, milanesa, and a Caesar salad that always hits the spot.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
9 June 2026
-
The chatter of cosmopolitan élites is the most reviled of all discourses right now.—
Adam Gopnik,
New Yorker,
8 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
-
The heat underneath had slowly coaxed the juices from the bird.—
Bill Addison,
Los Angeles Times,
4 June 2026
-
Will Klein coaxed a groundout from rookie Tommy Troy to end the threat.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
2 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
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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
-
The talks are deadlocked over $24 billion in frozen Iranian assets, a top official previously told CNN.—
Dalia Abdelwahab,
CNN Money,
7 June 2026
-
The day before Putin speaking at the conference rejecting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's offer of face-to-face talks.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
7 June 2026
Verb
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But Feaster also found other accounts that described Müller’s device as a puppet that conversed with audiences.—
Ron Cowen,
Scientific American,
3 June 2026
-
Since his election last year, Leo has made a point to directly converse with — and sometimes critique — various aspects of society, ranging from politics to entertainment and sports.—
Krysta Fauria,
Fortune,
2 June 2026
Noun
-
The debate over growth in Davis is unlikely to end with Measure V.—
Daniel Lempres,
Sacbee.com,
13 June 2026
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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 14 Jun. 2026.
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