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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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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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Similar discussions are occurring in more than a dozen states, including Maryland, Illinois, California, New York, Minnesota and Colorado, according to interviews with organizers and recordings of the meetings.—
Hannah Allam,
ProPublica,
31 May 2025
-
Jack Lang Botafogo Another Brazilian side who have no interest in, and have had no discussions over, signing Ronaldo.—
The Athletic UK Staff,
New York Times,
31 May 2025
Noun
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On December 7, after a 4-2 defeat at Brentford, Newcastle were 12th in the table and, externally, there was chatter about Eddie Howe’s position.—
George Caulkin,
New York Times,
29 May 2025
-
Suddenly, though, there is a confluence of intriguing points: The U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill that, if the chatter is to be believed, will see resistance in the Senate but that resistance will be about some combination of spending cuts and tax increases.—
Jim Cramer,
CNBC,
27 May 2025
Verb
-
In the latest episode of SiriusXM’s Conan O’Brien Needs A Friend, the comedian and former late night host welcomed Hacks co-creator Paul W. Downs to chat about stand-up diva Deborah Vance's (Jean Smart) big return to the late night circuit on the latest season of the HBO hit.—
Jessica Wang,
EW.com,
27 May 2025
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Hurley, 59, was then captured posing for pictures at the event and the couple were seen chatting outside.—
Kirsty Hatcher,
People.com,
27 May 2025
Verb
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Sophomore pitcher Tiffany Seemann then coaxed the next batter to ground out, setting off the celebration, as Winter Springs clinched the Class 5A state championship 4-3 at Boombah-Soldiers Creek Park on Saturday.—
Chris Hays,
The Orlando Sentinel,
24 May 2025
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Ironically, users spend significant time editing these AI outputs, essentially becoming engineers trying to coax a machine into sounding real.—
William Jones,
USA Today,
17 May 2025
Noun
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The same guidelines should apply to consultations with AI.—
Paul Hsieh,
Forbes.com,
30 May 2025
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The next consultations can be scheduled from 9 to 11 a.m. June 7.—
Linda Mcintosh,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
29 May 2025
Noun
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The bill, which includes about $4.9 trillion in tax breaks, was passed after weeks of negotiations and talks with Republicans, some of whom were concerned about constituents losing critical benefits and others who called for further budget cuts.—
Theo Burman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
27 May 2025
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June's tearful talk with her mom is followed by an equally emotional exchange with her husband.—
Matt Cabral,
EW.com,
27 May 2025
Verb
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Afterward, the royals make their way to the Royal Tea Tent to converse with other guests.—
Edward Segarra,
USA Today,
21 May 2025
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Meanwhile, Miranda Lambert holds a puppy in Frisco, Texas, and Prince William and Kate Middleton converse during a VE Day service in London.—
Grace Harrington,
People.com,
8 May 2025
Noun
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The future of the square has been a subject of heated debate.—
N'dea Yancey-Bragg,
USA Today,
25 May 2025
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After a lengthy debate, the three moderates picked up two votes in their effort to delay those changes, not enough to win the day.—
David Zahniser,
Los Angeles Times,
24 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Palaver.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/palaver. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.
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