small talk

noun

Definition of small talknext
as in chat
friendly, informal conversation or an instance of this at the corporate get-together we made the obligatory small talk with some people from the home office

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 small talk Afterward, the experience gives you both something immediate to talk about rather than leaning entirely on small talk. — Ashley Lynch, Charlotte Observer, 8 Sep. 2026 The activity does the heavy lifting that small talk used to carry. — Ashley Lynch, Sacbee.com, 3 Sep. 2026 What began as awkward small talk with strangers quickly becomes conversations with like-minded people. — Sarah Kingdom, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026 Frazier said that the woman was known to frequently walk around the neighborhood sparking up small talk. — Stephen Swanson, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for small talk
Recent Examples of Synonyms for small talk
  1. chat
  2. talk
  3. chatter
  4. table talk
Noun
  • During hours of questioning, Bozanic walked Riddell through text messages, cellphone logs and group chats.
    — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 14 Oct. 2026
  • The folding iPhone can display two apps side by side, including chats with Siri, offering a desktop-like interface for AI agents.
    — Kif Leswing,Annie Palmer,Jordan Novet, CNBC, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of chat
Noun
  • Banijay founder and chairman Stephane Courbit later met with Zucker in New York, though full merger talks didn’t begin until the following year, once RedBird IMI had ended talks with ITV over ITV Studios.
    — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 12 Oct. 2026
  • Colombia’s government has canceled peace talks with the nation’s remaining rebel groups, as de la Espriella takes a hard line on crime.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of talk
Noun
  • After the first 10 handshakes, the chatter softens to a murmur.
    — Daniel Sperry, Kansas City Star, 11 Oct. 2026
  • White space opportunities like clinical skin care, clean makeup and designer fragrances are often cited by industry analysts as potential areas of growth, and there is considerable chatter about the company’s M&A strategy.
    — Jenny B. Fine, Footwear News, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of chatter
Noun
  • When the table talk turns political, Hagains suggests shifting your approach instead of your mood.
    — Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 Nov. 2025
  • Each monthly box includes three recipe guides, skill lessons, a kitchen tool, a kitchen project, an apron patch, table talk cards, and a grocery list.
    — Jessica Booth, Parents, 16 Dec. 2024
Definition of table talk

Browse Nearby Words

smallswords
small talk
small-time
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Small talk.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/small%20talk. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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