1
as in discussion
an exchange of views for the purpose of exploring a subject or deciding an issue
seemingly endless palaver between the negotiating parties
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in chatter
friendly, informal conversation or an instance of this
we should get together and have a nice palaver sometime
Synonyms & Similar Words
1
as in to chat
to engage in casual or rambling conversation
mothers palavering and drinking coffee while watching their children play
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in to coax
to get (someone) to do something by gentle urging, special attention, or flattery
I let the salesclerk at the electronics store palaver me into a service contract that I didn't need
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of palaver
Noah Rothman, National Review, 18 Jan. 2024
The palaver about Prime Minister Liz Truss’s failed tax-cut plan has obscured the way Mr. Bailey politicized the British central bank.
—The Editorial Board, WSJ, 18 Oct. 2022
Becca Rothfeld, The New Yorker, 19 Nov. 2019
See All Example Sentences for palaver
Noun
And to listen to them is to be privy to some of the most easily ignored palaver the global economic elite has to offer.
—Noah Rothman, National Review, 18 Jan. 2024
The palaver about Prime Minister Liz Truss’s failed tax-cut plan has obscured the way Mr. Bailey politicized the British central bank.
—The Editorial Board, WSJ, 18 Oct. 2022
Verb
On the one hand, Hrabal’s palavering bears a direct relation to reality.
—Becca Rothfeld, The New Yorker, 19 Nov. 2019
See All Example Sentences for palaver
Recent Examples of Synonyms for palaver
Noun
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Much of that discussion still assumes people become stable immediately after leaving addiction treatment programs.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
24 May 2026
-
The moral question is the one that such a museum should strive to offer some kind of discussion.—
Samuel S. Flax,
The Orlando Sentinel,
24 May 2026
Noun
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But with all the chatter from both sides about how tight the series has been, how even the chances have been, and how opportunistic Vegas has been while Colorado has not, the easiest solution to that is for Colorado’s goaltending to be better.—
Corey Masisak,
Denver Post,
25 May 2026
-
Entering the season, much of the chatter surrounding the bullpen centered on the addition of closer Edwin Díaz.—
Maddie Lee,
Los Angeles Times,
24 May 2026
Verb
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One early scene at a diner shows Valentina chatting with a group of immigrant men who have just crossed the border.—
Carlos Aguilar,
Los Angeles Times,
28 May 2026
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That shift is bigger than the current conversation around copilots, chat interfaces or workflow automation.—
Prithvi Singh Shergill,
Forbes.com,
27 May 2026
Verb
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For facials, Maria is able to coax complexions to a glow that TikTok filters can’t match.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
23 May 2026
-
Seeman was doing her usual thing on Friday, coaxing batters to hit ground balls and pop-ups.—
Chris Hays,
The Orlando Sentinel,
22 May 2026
Noun
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Kansas City’s plan was the product of three years of preparations, research and consultations from 118 residents and human rights organizations and business support professionals, according to KC2026.—
Sofi Zeman,
Kansas City Star,
28 May 2026
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Americans are, by far, the most likely to skip medications, treatments, tests, and consultations due to costs.—
Beth Mole,
ArsTechnica,
28 May 2026
Noun
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Peace talks face a key hurdle in Tehran’s insistence on keeping enriched uranium stockpile within the country and levying tolls for passage via the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.—
Lim Hui Jie,
CNBC,
25 May 2026
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Further talks are expected over a longer term deal.—
Patrick Boyland,
New York Times,
25 May 2026
Verb
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On her last day in Reggio Emilia, Middleton visited with schoolchildren in the woods—even sitting in the grass and sharing stories of her own kids while conversing with the students.—
Stefania Saltalamacchia,
Vanity Fair,
15 May 2026
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On April 30, the TikTok star, 25, and the Houston Texans wide receiver, 30, were spotted conversing at the Sports Illustrated x Authentic Brands Group party at The Surf Club Restaurant in Miami.—
Tabitha Parent,
PEOPLE,
4 May 2026
Noun
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The food, beverage, pharmaceutical, chemical, and agribusiness lobbies do not need to defeat MAHA in public debate.—
Ed Gaskin,
Boston Herald,
30 May 2026
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What the candidates have said about affordability The candidates offered their ideas for making California more affordable during debates in April and May as well as on their websites.—
Karen Garcia,
Los Angeles Times,
30 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Palaver.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/palaver. Accessed 30 May. 2026.
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