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
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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
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Still, much of the public conversations around education centers on test scores and older students, leaving early childhood largely out of the discussion.—
Tina Dello Russo,
Boston Herald,
10 May 2026
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Through their discussions, and the essays and stories that they were assigned to write each week, Heidi came to know her students’ pain.—
Nicholas Dawidoff,
New Yorker,
10 May 2026
Noun
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The chatter among party elites appears at odds with recent polling in Harris’ favor, including in April’s Harvard Center for American Political Studies/Harris Poll, which showed Harris leading the Democratic field with support from 50% of Democrats.—
Justine McDaniel,
Los Angeles Times,
10 May 2026
-
Student chatter on social media fluctuated between some commenters upset that their tests or assignments would be canceled and others planning beach days in light of the system being down.—
Caleb Lunetta,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
8 May 2026
Verb
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Afterward, Keller stopped to chat with Alvarado at a sandwich shop.—
Rachel Monroe,
New Yorker,
14 May 2026
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Incognito chat mode has safety features to prevent the chatbot from answering questions about harmful topics, Cathcart said.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
13 May 2026
Verb
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Jonathan Karis, an alumnus of Gramercy Tavern, takes the season’s bounty and coaxes it into its fullest expression — home cooking at its most virtuosic.—
Ligaya Mishan,
New York Times,
11 May 2026
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Aside from its rich taste coaxed in fruity olive oil, a tin is often less than four bucks.—
Nina Moskowitz,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
10 May 2026
Noun
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Many also offer free or low-cost initial consultations, but acting quickly matters.—
Angelica Leicht,
CBS News,
14 May 2026
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In addition to her daily schedule of operations and consultations, there are interns to train and a clinic renovation to oversee.—
Jon Frosch,
HollywoodReporter,
13 May 2026
Noun
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The most recent back-and-forth over talks comes after a week of sporadic clashes in the Persian Gulf, amid a month-long ceasefire.—
Karissa Waddick,
USA Today,
11 May 2026
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Markets have soared and oil prices have dropped over the last week, however, amid anticipation that a deal could be close after weeks of talks and occasional setbacks.—
Peter Nicholas,
NBC news,
10 May 2026
Verb
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On April 30, the TikTok star, 25, and the Houston Texans wide receiver, 30, were spotted conversing at the Sports Illustrated x Authentic Brands Group party at The Surf Club Restaurant in Miami.—
Tabitha Parent,
PEOPLE,
4 May 2026
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Here, a space for dining, a space for grilling, and a space for conversing around the fire all create a multifaceted entertaining area.—
Marisa Donnelly,
Better Homes & Gardens,
3 May 2026
Noun
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The debate was sponsored by The Denver Post, Denver7 and Colorado Public Radio, and the first question asked Bennet and Weiser to identify a policy position that separated them.—
Seth Klamann,
Denver Post,
8 May 2026
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The incorporation of UAVs into regular military operations marked a paradigm shift in the conduct of warfare, introducing new tactical possibilities, strategic dilemmas, and ethical debates that continue to evolve.—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
8 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Palaver.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/palaver. Accessed 16 May. 2026.
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