Synonym Chooser

How is the word talkative different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of talkative are garrulous, loquacious, and voluble. While all these words mean "given to talk or talking," talkative may imply a readiness to engage in talk or a disposition to enjoy conversation.

a talkative neighbor

When is garrulous a more appropriate choice than talkative?

In some situations, the words garrulous and talkative are roughly equivalent. However, garrulous implies prosy, rambling, or tedious loquacity.

garrulous traveling companions

When can loquacious be used instead of talkative?

The words loquacious and talkative are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, loquacious suggests the power of expressing oneself articulately, fluently, or glibly.

a loquacious spokesperson

Where would voluble be a reasonable alternative to talkative?

Although the words voluble and talkative have much in common, voluble suggests a free, easy, and unending loquacity.

a voluble raconteur

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 talkative Other characters include a talkative nurse, a wise parrot named Leonard, and a grumpy cat named Bitchy. Duante Beddingfield, Freep.com, 30 July 2025 During the 114th Congress, he was ranked by C-SPAN, which tracks the number of days lawmakers spoke during its live broadcasts of congressional proceedings, as one of the least talkative lawmakers on the House floor. Mackensy Lunsford, The Tennessean, 12 July 2025 Since October, Jackson spoke 50% more words on the bench than Sotomayor who was the next talkative, according to statistics compiled by Adam Feldman and Jake S. Truscott for the Empirical SCOTUS blog. Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 6 July 2025 Cunningham has a bubbly, infectious and talkative personality that pairs perfectly with her chic style. Kaycee Sloan, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for talkative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for talkative
Adjective
  • Nini makes no such communicative or deft movements.
    Tao Lin, Harpers Magazine, 20 Aug. 2025
  • Human's closest living relatives, Chimpanzees, primarily learn their communicative patterns from their mothers and maternal relatives, according to a new study.
    Mandy Taheri, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • These names suggest individual agents with self-knowledge, but that's an illusion created by the conversational interface.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 12 Aug. 2025
  • Aim for conversational, human-first language.
    Michael Shribman, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The Baldwins have been a public lightning rod with their outspoken political views and social-media controversies.
    Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2025
  • In the September 1967 school board election, voters replaced two incumbent members with candidates who were outspoken opponents of the Oregon Plan.
    Time, Time, 4 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The decision also underscores the risks of vocal injury for artists performing demanding live shows night after night, a reality discussed in coverage of other recent touring cancellations.
    Megan Cartwright, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Vergara was just as enamored of her vocal Tuesday.
    Raechal Shewfelt, EW.com, 3 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Rasul Douglas isn’t the most loquacious person.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 28 Aug. 2025
  • Recently during a private fundraiser in New Jersey, the loquacious thought leader had some harsh advice for Democrats.
    Grace Curley, Boston Herald, 21 July 2025
Adjective
  • Did Rylie walk out the door, or were chatty Cathys Mickey and Morgan finally split up?
    Nick Caruso, TVLine, 21 Aug. 2025
  • His loved ones said the 3-year-old chatty child was hardly ever quiet.
    Jade Jackson, IndyStar, 18 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Indeed, calculations by Fortune showed tariff revenue (around $30 billion a month) won’t cover a fraction of the outgoing monthly payments to service the debt, let alone pay down the top-line figure.
    Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 2 Sep. 2025
  • The Neue Klasse architecture’s first production model, which replaces the outgoing iX3 EV, and BMW is leaning hard into its sustainability and use of recycled and upcycled materials.
    Michael Taylor, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Just imagine what would have happened to that mouthy, fearless girl coming of age in an Argentina dominated by the brutal military juntas of the late seventies and eighties.
    Daniel Alarcón, New Yorker, 30 June 2025
  • Lipman and Cowen confirmed that no one else was even considered for the role of mouthy matriarch Debbie Novotny.
    Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 13 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Talkative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/talkative. Accessed 8 Sep. 2025.

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