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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of small talk
As the third quarter ended, instead of handing out daps and making small talk with her teammates, Jocytė started her warmups.
—
Nathan Canilao,
Mercury News,
26 May 2026
Most people treat each small talk interaction as completely separate, asking the same generic questions every time.
—
Andy Molinsky,
Forbes.com,
18 May 2026
That’s good news for the families of players, coaches, staffers and media members, but bad news for fans looking to avoid having to make small talk during the holidays.
—
Doug Kyed,
Boston Herald,
15 May 2026
In a video about an erratic Uber driver, a recognizable dynamic—awkward small talk, impatience to set off—escalates into a life-threatening one.
—
Alex Barasch,
New Yorker,
11 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for small talk
Nathan Canilao,
Mercury News,
26 May 2026
Most people treat each small talk interaction as completely separate, asking the same generic questions every time.
—
Andy Molinsky,
Forbes.com,
18 May 2026
That’s good news for the families of players, coaches, staffers and media members, but bad news for fans looking to avoid having to make small talk during the holidays.
—
Doug Kyed,
Boston Herald,
15 May 2026
In a video about an erratic Uber driver, a recognizable dynamic—awkward small talk, impatience to set off—escalates into a life-threatening one.
—
Alex Barasch,
New Yorker,
11 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for small talk
Recent Examples of Synonyms for small talk
Noun
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The association has sent emails in recent months reminding residents not to violate the clause, including in group chats.
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Executive coffee chats create low-barrier access to decision-makers.
Noun
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The talks come after the Qatari prime minister met with US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner on Tuesday to discuss ongoing US-Iran talks and regional developments.
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Peace talks between the two countries are still inching along, with one of the key points up for discussion being how to regulate the flow of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
Noun
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In the last year or two, there was chatter and debate whether Messi would actually be selected to join the national team again.
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If circumstances had gone Spain’s way with more clinical finishing or a Cape Verde defender making a mistake, then the result would have been different and a lot of the chatter currently happening (including here) would likely not be happening.
Noun
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When the table talk turns political, Hagains suggests shifting your approach instead of your mood.
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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.
Cite this Entry
“Small talk.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/small%20talk. Accessed 3 Jul. 2026.
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