1
as in speech
a usually formal discourse delivered to an audience
the noted author's talk on the state of the modern novel
Synonyms & Similar Words
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?
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in to chat
to engage in casual or rambling conversation
talked with our neighbor as we unloaded the groceries from the car
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of talk
Niall Ferguson, Foreign Affairs, 19 Aug. 2025
Resolution also said the talks led to major changes to the mining plan to preserve and reduce potential impacts on tribal, social, environmental and cultural interests.
—Debra Utacia Krol, AZCentral.com, 19 Aug. 2025
Liliana Fannin, jsonline.com, 18 Aug. 2025
One way was talking to journalists who hadn’t covered ’98.
—Maer Roshan, HollywoodReporter, 18 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for talk
Noun
During the negotiation of the 1975 Helsinki Final Act, a landmark diplomatic agreement designed to improve relations between East and West, Brzezinski acted as an informal adviser to Western European parties to the talks.
—Niall Ferguson, Foreign Affairs, 19 Aug. 2025
Resolution also said the talks led to major changes to the mining plan to preserve and reduce potential impacts on tribal, social, environmental and cultural interests.
—Debra Utacia Krol, AZCentral.com, 19 Aug. 2025
Verb
The couple had lived in their Wauwatosa home for 48 years, but decided to check out Overstone and talk to the realtors.
—Liliana Fannin, jsonline.com, 18 Aug. 2025
One way was talking to journalists who hadn’t covered ’98.
—Maer Roshan, HollywoodReporter, 18 Aug. 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 1 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share