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
Most of the conversation consisted of small talk, Payne wrote in the report, with a focus on Kohberger’s studies and his interests in criminal justice and criminology.
—
Dakin Andone, CNN Money, 24 July 2025
The summary of the interview written by the Moscow detective describes a lot of small talk before Kohberger acknowledged hearing about a killing and then invoking his Fifth Amendment rights.
—Nbc News, NBC news, 24 July 2025
Many TikTokers share the belief that Gen Z has lost the art of small talk and social pleasantries, and that this manifests in a blank stare, often in response to questions.
—Dani Di Placido, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025
Digital parenting expert Yaron Litwin, CMO of the Canopy parental control app, told Newsweek that the stare may be a rejection of small talk rather than a sign of disrespect.
—Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for small talk
Dakin Andone, CNN Money, 24 July 2025
The summary of the interview written by the Moscow detective describes a lot of small talk before Kohberger acknowledged hearing about a killing and then invoking his Fifth Amendment rights.
—Nbc News, NBC news, 24 July 2025
Many TikTokers share the belief that Gen Z has lost the art of small talk and social pleasantries, and that this manifests in a blank stare, often in response to questions.
—Dani Di Placido, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025
Digital parenting expert Yaron Litwin, CMO of the Canopy parental control app, told Newsweek that the stare may be a rejection of small talk rather than a sign of disrespect.
—Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for small talk
Recent Examples of Synonyms for small talk
Noun
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The four-day event will feature master classes, fireside chats, panels, screenings of official film selections and performances leading up to the awards ceremony.—
Giana Levy,
Variety,
20 Aug. 2025
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Plus: All the news and watercooler chat from Fortune. Good morning.—
Diane Brady,
Fortune,
19 Aug. 2025
Noun
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The deadline initially established for talks was Aug. 12, but it was announced on Aug. 11 that discussions will extend through Nov. 10.—
SJ Guest Editorial,
Sourcing Journal,
19 Aug. 2025
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Witkoff is invited to rejoin the talks Qatar is among the countries mediating to end the war.—
Samy Magdy,
Chicago Tribune,
19 Aug. 2025
Noun
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For 10 minutes there wasn’t a sound except the occasional chatter of a squirrel.—
Chester Chatfield,
Outdoor Life,
20 Aug. 2025
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The spa is a restorative oasis—with a pool, a Turkish bath, a sauna, and an optional private suites—to ease the day’s muscles and chatter.—
Hannah Howard,
Travel + Leisure,
16 Aug. 2025
Noun
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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
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Almost everything about Thanksgiving, from travel to table talk about politics, has the potential to become fraught.—
Kendra Nordin Beato,
The Christian Science Monitor,
26 Nov. 2024
Cite this Entry
“Small talk.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/small%20talk. Accessed 26 Aug. 2025.
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