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 Making small talk about boycotts of companies associated with bad causes, Maher observes that Hugo Boss supplied uniforms to the ur-villains of the 20th century. — Aidan McLaughlin, Vanity Fair, 23 July 2026 Steak for a crowd is too expensive, and requires a level of last-minute theatrics incompatible with small talk. — Chris Morocco, Bon Appetit Magazine, 17 July 2026 The conversation started with small talk between the woman and Gonzalez. — Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 11 July 2026 Over the course of the film, often during small talk, other students try to mentor Charlie on how to fit in. — John Hopewell, Variety, 9 July 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
  • But then Sandy stops by for a friendly chat, and his daughter Nina (Zosia Mamet, ice-cold and slightly underused) gets serious.
    — Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 2 Sep. 2026
  • If a group chat has become a swamp of half-answers and reaction icons, step in with a quick summary.
    — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of chat
Noun
  • Former mayor Harry Sidhu went to prison on corruption charges, and the two parties never re-engaged on talks.
    — Sam Blum, New York Times, 2 Sep. 2026
  • TickTalkie™ adds instant push-to-talk communication over LTE, with support for watch-to-watch, multi-user, and multi-channel conversations.
    — Jon Stojan, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of talk
Noun
  • Tech Challenges While the chair’s speech and the sideline chatter about economic and political events frequently dominate news from the symposium, Jackson Hole is also an important forum for high level debate on economic research.
    — Maria Eloisa Capurro, Fortune, 29 Aug. 2026
  • In a sprightly performance rife with oddball mannerisms, Gnecco gives Borges equal parts impish wisdom, earthy vulgarity and childlike wonder, rarely letting a moment’s silence go unfilled with eager chatter.
    — Guy Lodge, Variety, 29 Aug. 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
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Cite this Entry

“Small talk.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/small%20talk. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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