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
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
Individuals were randomly assigned to either be as efficient as possible when placing their order - no small talk with the staff - or to be more social with the barista.
—Rhitu Chatterjee, NPR, 9 May 2026
Another subtler contributor may be the loss of small talk among people in public spaces.
—Markham Heid, Time, 28 Apr. 2026
The clips were mostly small talk, excluding in one instance where Heuermann appeared to boss around his family.
—David K. Li, NBC news, 23 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for small talk
Alex Barasch, New Yorker, 11 May 2026
Individuals were randomly assigned to either be as efficient as possible when placing their order - no small talk with the staff - or to be more social with the barista.
—Rhitu Chatterjee, NPR, 9 May 2026
Another subtler contributor may be the loss of small talk among people in public spaces.
—Markham Heid, Time, 28 Apr. 2026
The clips were mostly small talk, excluding in one instance where Heuermann appeared to boss around his family.
—David K. Li, NBC news, 23 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for small talk
Recent Examples of Synonyms for small talk
Noun
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Please also chat with our team using the chat widget at the bottom right-hand corner of this page for the fastest support.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
5 June 2026
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And yet, Chisholm’s chat with Fallon sparked some jokes and blowback after the host asked the colorful character what the Yankees’ ultimate goal is this season.—
Gary Phillips,
New York Daily News,
4 June 2026
Noun
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De la Espriella, who has never before held public office, also promises to sever peace talks with armed groups and unleash a full-on offensive against rebels.—
Alfie Pannell,
Miami Herald,
31 May 2026
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Anxiety over ChatGPT and other emerging technology helped derail talks with both unions and the AMPTP in 2023, leading to crippling dual strikes.—
Dade Hayes,
Deadline,
31 May 2026
Noun
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In December 2024, Lipa posted photos featuring a diamond ring on her left ring finger, spurring engagement chatter.—
Alexandra Del Rosario,
Los Angeles Times,
1 June 2026
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There’s plenty of chatter behind the scenes about more stories to come after the torrent of revelations since Platner announced his campaign.—
Burgess Everett,
semafor.com,
1 June 2026
Noun
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When the table talk turns political, Hagains suggests shifting your approach instead of your mood.—
Tiffani Jackson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
21 Nov. 2025
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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.—
Jessica Booth,
Parents,
16 Dec. 2024
Cite this Entry
“Small talk.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/small%20talk. Accessed 8 Jun. 2026.
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