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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Johnson said Wednesday’s discussions involved not only House lawmakers, but Republicans in the Senate, as well.—
Mike Lillis,
The Hill,
9 Apr. 2025
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But while most discussions focused on the negative aspects of AI – stealing the vocals, notes and likenesses of public figures without permission – Travis represents a productive use of the technology.—
Melissa Ruggieri,
USA Today,
9 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Related Articles Over the weekend, there was a lot of online chatter about Elliott either closing his business or selling it to Authentic Brands Group.—
Jean E. Palmieri,
Footwear News,
8 Apr. 2025
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The last week has been a lot of chatter on the matter.—
Victoria Uwumarogie,
Essence,
7 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Patino chatted with every person, making sure their order was perfect.—
Emily M. Olson,
Hartford Courant,
21 Apr. 2025
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During a recent episode of The Oprah Podcast, the media mogul chatted with social psychologist Jonathan Haidt about the amount of time teenagers spend online.—
Jamie Allison Sanders,
People.com,
18 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Bulbs properly planted in pots may also be coaxed to bloom again.—
Andy Wilcox,
Better Homes & Gardens,
19 Apr. 2025
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Now, last month, there was another star of the big screen in the ring, coaxing Cena to go over to the dark side.—
Obed Manuel,
NPR,
18 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Your piercer will give you a quick consultation to discuss options, possible concerns, and the best jewelry to suit your navel, then direct you to get comfortable on the piercing table.—
Marianne Mychaskiw,
Allure,
9 Apr. 2025
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City said the decision came following a consultation meeting with fan engagement group City Matters, and related to general-admission season tickets and Premier League match-by-match tickets.—
Sam Lee,
New York Times,
9 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Russia and Ukraine haven't held direct talks in years.—
USA Today,
USA Today,
22 Apr. 2025
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The Iranian regime is enjoying the air of legitimacy granted to it by the Trump administration’s sudden pivot to direct talks with Tehran over its nuclear program.—
Noah Rothman,
National Review,
21 Apr. 2025
Verb
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For the literary elite of the 1920s and ‘30s, Manhattan’s Beekman neighborhood was the place to be, an elegant retreat where intellectuals and artists gathered to create and converse.—
Abby Montanez,
Robb Report,
3 Apr. 2025
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The song, featuring DJ Jazzy Jeff and B. Simone, starts with random voices conversing through rhyme.—
Andre Gee,
Rolling Stone,
28 Mar. 2025
Noun
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King Userkaf’s family relationships are a subject of scholarly debate, but he’s generally believed to have been the father of at least one son, Sahure, who later became pharaoh.—
Aspen Pflughoeft,
Miami Herald,
18 Apr. 2025
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Things got particularly ugly during 2016 presidential debates when he was asked to defend referring to women as fat pigs and slobs.—
Brian Niemietz,
New York Daily News,
18 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Palaver.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/palaver. Accessed 25 Apr. 2025.
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