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
-
But alongside discussion of the hottest AI startups and new breakthroughs, Goldman Sachs had to set the record straight on one question.—
Emma Burleigh,
Fortune,
9 Nov. 2025
-
Which makes for interesting discussion, this week and beyond, when the selection committee convenes.—
Joe Rexrode,
New York Times,
9 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Famed for launching Downton Abbey, the network has been courting sale interest for well over a year, but for all the industry chatter and press speculation, ITV’s silence has been stony.—
Max Goldbart,
Deadline,
8 Nov. 2025
-
In the case of Copeland, has noted that his name has not even been brought up within WWE, even with the online chatter.—
Andrew Ravens,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
In a plush, dimly lit Hollywood club on a recent Wednesday afternoon, GIRLSET’s members — Kendall, Lexi, Camila and Savanna — are bubbly and noticeably excited to chat about their latest era.—
Brooke Morrison,
Billboard,
11 Nov. 2025
-
On Monday night, Dumont was seen sitting and chatting courtside at Dallas’ American Airlines Center with a teenager wearing Dončić’s gold Los Angeles Lakers jersey.—
Christian Clark,
New York Times,
11 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
In the same way bartenders learned to coax flavors from bitters and botanicals, cannabis makers are now doing the same with THC and CBD, creating products that bartenders now use to create cocktails.—
Timothy DePeugh,
Charlotte Observer,
7 Nov. 2025
-
Clateman, who has scraggly chops, a patterned scarf wrapped around his neck, and a gray button-up—like a hippie dressed up for Picture Day—coaxes her into talking.—
Kieran Press-Reynolds,
Pitchfork,
6 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
How to Request a Precise Quote A reliable cost estimate begins with a virtual consultation.—
Daniel Fusch,
USA Today,
3 Nov. 2025
-
The King’s decision follows behind-the-scenes discussions, legal consultation and support from the wider royal family to bring about a resolution without imposing on Parliamentary time.—
Meredith Kile,
PEOPLE,
30 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
The van reaches home ground and no one talks and the only sound along that final stretch is El Camello slapping himself to scare away mosquitoes.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
7 Nov. 2025
-
Senators are engaging in behind-the-scenes talks to reopen the government.—
Nathaniel Weixel,
The Hill,
6 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
After reading Wuoronos’ story, Pralle began conversing with her through letters, eventually persuading Wuornos to let Pralle adopt her.—
CT Jones,
Rolling Stone,
30 Oct. 2025
-
Have people lost the ability to converse?—
Judith Martin,
Mercury News,
27 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
China’s apparent surge in missile production comes as the US expends sophisticated defense systems in Ukraine and Israel, causing some ammunition shortages and sparking debate in Washington about how and where to deploy its high-end weapons.—
Tamara Qiblawi,
CNN Money,
7 Nov. 2025
-
Since the advent of the transfer portal and the rise of name, image and likeness (NIL), there have been countless debates about how to create and adjust a system to establish guardrails when necessary.—
Chantz Martin,
FOXNews.com,
7 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Palaver.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/palaver. Accessed 16 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share