small talk

noun

Definition of small talknext
as in chat
friendly, informal conversation or an instance of this at the corporate get-together we made the obligatory small talk with some people from the home office

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 small talk My driver appeared like a normal woman attempting to make small talk. — David Hookstead Outkick, FOXNews.com, 7 Aug. 2026 That’s how this dinner kicks off, after a minuscule, benign moment of small talk between him and Georgia. — Tom Smyth, Vulture, 6 Aug. 2026 Making small talk about boycotts of companies associated with bad causes, Maher observes that Hugo Boss supplied uniforms to the ur-villains of the 20th century. — Aidan McLaughlin, Vanity Fair, 23 July 2026 Steak for a crowd is too expensive, and requires a level of last-minute theatrics incompatible with small talk. — Chris Morocco, Bon Appetit Magazine, 17 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for small talk
Recent Examples of Synonyms for small talk
  1. chat
  2. talk
  3. chatter
  4. table talk
Noun
  • The billboard was the catalyst that pushed her to book her travel shortly afterward, and the group trip finally made it out of the group chat.
    — Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 9 Sep. 2026
  • Nationwide, the 988 lifeline has received more than 26 million calls, texts and chats since July 2022, when it was changed from its pre-existing 10-digit number.
    — Mathew Miranda, Sacbee.com, 9 Sep. 2026
Definition of chat
Noun
  • Nick Bosa pulled aside Alfred Collins for a talk after his season-ending knee injury.
    — Matt Barrows, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
  • As trade talks with Canada remain on ice, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick is set to travel to Mexico on Wednesday, according to Mexico’s trade minister.
    — Steve Kopack, NBC news, 9 Sep. 2026
Definition of talk
Noun
  • Four years after the original and in the wake of persistent movie trivia chatter, the series finally lands in Hollywood with Scream 3.
    — Michael Lee Simpson, Entertainment Weekly, 5 Sep. 2026
  • Cocktail chatter on the Lido held that this was a more minor work than anticipated, and many of those positive reviews nevertheless included a few bum notes.
    — Nate Jones, Vulture, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of chatter
Noun
  • When the table talk turns political, Hagains suggests shifting your approach instead of your mood.
    — Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 Nov. 2025
  • Each monthly box includes three recipe guides, skill lessons, a kitchen tool, a kitchen project, an apron patch, table talk cards, and a grocery list.
    — Jessica Booth, Parents, 16 Dec. 2024
Definition of table talk

Browse Nearby Words

smallswords
small talk
small-time
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Cite this Entry

“Small talk.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/small%20talk. Accessed 11 Sep. 2026.

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