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 After all, for seven seasons, Graham and Bledel starred as the unstoppable (and oh-so-talkative) mother-daughter duo of Lorelai and Rory Gilmore, the two besties at the center of Stars Hollow, a small Connecticut town with a very big personality. Samantha Highfill, Entertainment Weekly, 15 Sep. 2025 Harjo understands better than all but a few of his star’s previous collaborators how to weaponize Hawke’s gift for playing talkative dirtbags who are equal parts insufferable and charming. Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 4 Sep. 2025 That of course was not unusual, but what was unusual was how talkative this man had been. Literary Hub, 8 Aug. 2025 My auditions usually involved signing into a small waiting room with stackable utility chairs and four or five other little girls around my age, sitting with their tense or talkative moms. Becca Longmire, People.com, 8 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for talkative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for talkative
Adjective
  • The uncertainty has been hard, even with suppliers being communicative and transparent.
    Roxana Popescu, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Oct. 2025
  • That started in huddles, with a demonstrably more communicative Jokic.
    Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 22 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The partnership would give Apple access to Google’s massive AI infrastructure, enabling more capable, conversational versions of Siri and new features expected to launch next spring.
    Sharon Goldman, Fortune, 6 Nov. 2025
  • That got the job done and is indicative of the conversational experimentation that gives the film, and many of Linklater’s works, its charm.
    Andrew McGowan, Variety, 6 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Her love life, like her work life, according to her most outspoken friend, Littia (singer Inayah), is in shambles, and an invitation to spend the holidays with love interest Colton (Aaron O’Connell) challenges her perspectives on romance.
    Ronda Racha Penrice, HollywoodReporter, 5 Nov. 2025
  • The pair will face the immediate challenge of addressing the controversy over politics that has roiled the firm, at a time when many Silicon Valley venture firms are becoming increasingly outspoken on hot-button political and culture-war issues.
    Allie Garfinkle, Fortune, 4 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Mamdani, whose past included vocal activism on behalf of Palestinian issues that included comments many New York Jews found offensive, will be New York’s first Muslim mayor.
    Alex J. Rouhandeh, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2025
  • The incoming Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, had been a vocal supporter of the bureau.
    The New Yorker, New Yorker, 5 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • The loquacious Ray Montemayor, who Ziggy helped convert from a street hockey goalie to a state champion ice hockey keeper, had a much better anecdote.
    M.L. Elrick, Freep.com, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Rasul Douglas isn’t the most loquacious person.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 28 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Rue the encounter with a chatty neighbor, well-meaning friendor even beloved educator.
    Leslie Simon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Nov. 2025
  • Farrell plays John, the ambitious and chatty servant who is seduced by the mistress of the house (Jessica Chastain), as a nervous bundle of energy who becomes more agonized and frantic over the course of the film.
    Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 30 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • In Chicago O'Hare International Airport, 17% of outgoing flights are canceled and 25% are delayed.
    Hadley Hitson, Nashville Tennessean, 11 Nov. 2025
  • Dallas brought in 10-time All-Star big man Anthony Davis, 3-and-D role player wing Max Christie, and a first-round pick in exchange for an outgoing trade package toplined by Doncic this past February.
    Alex Kirschenbaum, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Maia’s flaky friends Alani (True Whitaker) and Charlie (Jordan Firstman) are, respectively, a nepo baby with a titular vice presidency at her famous father’s production company and a mouthy stylist genuflecting at the feet of small-time pop singers.
    Judy Berman, Time, 30 Oct. 2025
  • He's developed quite the voice and is very mouthy and vocal with me throughout the day.
    Rachael O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Talkative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/talkative. Accessed 18 Nov. 2025.

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