1
as in speech
a usually formal discourse delivered to an audience
the noted author's talk on the state of the modern novel
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Relevance
2
as in discussion
an exchange of views for the purpose of exploring a subject or deciding an issue
what good will all this talk do when we need to take action now?
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3
as in chat
friendly, informal conversation or an instance of this
sat down by the fire and had a nice little talk about what was new in the village
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4
as in rumor
information or opinion that is widely disseminated without any authority or confirmation of accuracy
her wild behavior is exciting some lurid talk
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1
as in to speak
to give a formal often extended talk on a subject
the fire chief often talks at school assemblies about fire safety
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2
as in to chat
to engage in casual or rambling conversation
talked with our neighbor as we unloaded the groceries from the car
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3
as in to say
to express (a thought or emotion) in words
you're talking nonsense: take a minute and think about what you are trying to say, and then start speaking
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in to inform
to give information (as to the authorities) about another's improper or unlawful activities
after being threatened, the eyewitness started talking at length about what he had seen in the alley
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5
as in to gossip
to relate sometimes questionable or secret information of a personal nature
you're a fine one to talk about your sister's marital problems when you have had plenty of your own
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in to convince
to cause (someone) to agree with a belief or course of action by using arguments or earnest request
the salesman talked us into buying a new vacuum
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in to speak (to or with)
to communicate with by means of spoken words
I had never talked to a real live cowboy before
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as in chatterer
a person who talks constantly
your brother is quite a talker—he wouldn't let me get a word in edgewise
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of talk
Oren Liebermann, CNN Money, 11 Sep. 2025
Kirk himself often resorted to tough talk against those who did not share his conservative views.
—Michael Collins, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025
Tony Saavedra, Oc Register, 10 Sep. 2025
For starters, move away from the idea that your kid will be ready to talk right after school, and instead focus on low-stakes, positive interactions.
—Angela Haupt, Time, 10 Sep. 2025
Hannah Kirby, jsonline.com, 10 Sep. 2025
Polished words without substance don't land Some candidates are great talkers.
—Eli Rubel, CNBC, 9 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for talk
Noun
The city had become a vital hub for talks to free the hostages and end the war – and one frequently visited by top Israeli officials.
—Oren Liebermann, CNN Money, 11 Sep. 2025
Kirk himself often resorted to tough talk against those who did not share his conservative views.
—Michael Collins, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025
Verb
Lentz even talked to Santarelli by phone.
—Tony Saavedra, Oc Register, 10 Sep. 2025
For starters, move away from the idea that your kid will be ready to talk right after school, and instead focus on low-stakes, positive interactions.
—Angela Haupt, Time, 10 Sep. 2025
Noun
Here are the talkers The Marquette University family is mourning the loss of two of their own.
—Hannah Kirby, jsonline.com, 10 Sep. 2025
Polished words without substance don't land Some candidates are great talkers.
—Eli Rubel, CNBC, 9 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for talk
Cite this Entry
“Talk.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/talk. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.
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