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
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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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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.
—Verb
On the one hand, Hrabal’s palavering bears a direct relation to reality.
—Recent Examples of Synonyms for palaver
Noun
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In the past two decades, much of the often spirited discussion has centered on Michael Jordan and four-time league MVP LeBron James.—
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As an iconic component of downtown infrastructure, the skyway network cannot be separated from broader discussions about the revitalization of downtown.—
Noun
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Famed for launching Downton Abbey, the network has been courting sale interest for well over a year, but for all the industry chatter and press speculation, ITV’s silence has been stony.—
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In the case of Copeland, has noted that his name has not even been brought up within WWE, even with the online chatter.—
Verb
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While chatting with Fallon, Sink shared a few thoughts on the explosive finale of Stranger Things—some of which proved to be a little controversial.—
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About halfway through, a few students finished and started chatting.—
Verb
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What Bednar has helped coax out of the Avalanche is nothing short of remarkable.—
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Vrabel, who played alongside Brady for Bill Belichick before establishing himself as a coach in Tennessee, led them to a 14-3 record while coaxing a possible MVP performance out of now-sophomore QB Drake Maye.—
Noun
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As a newcomer to composing and arranging for strings, Simon benefitted greatly by working with a group readily available for consultation and collaboration.—
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The Oscar-winning actor attributed much of his weight-loss transformation to completely removing gluten, a protein found naturally in grains including wheat, rye and barley, from his diet with the consultation of his doctor.—
Noun
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Try to plan your visit during the Dark Sky Festival, held annually in the late winter or early spring, to meet up with fellow stargazing enthusiasts and hear astronomy talks by park rangers.—
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Beyond money, other issues expected to be hammered out in CBA talks include the length of the season, facility and travel standards, retirement benefits and changes to rookie deals.—
Verb
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One summer day, Joe O’Donnell conversed with his wife and daughter inside a gazebo overlooking a small lake, taking a midday break from running their horse boarding facility, Irish Acres.—
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When the Museum is Closed is about a part-time, lonely museum worker, Rika Horauchi, whose job is to converse with a statue of Venus—in Latin—on Mondays, when the museum is closed.—
Noun
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Though Andrea — initially convicted of capital murder — was ultimately found not guilty by reason of insanity and committed to a mental health facility, debate over what drove her actions continues to this day.—
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The 2025-26 NBA season is in full swing, renewing the long-running debate over the league’s greatest player.—
Cite this Entry
“Palaver.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/palaver. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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