as in to consult
to exchange viewpoints or seek advice for the purpose of finding a solution to a problem
an Alzheimer's support group in which caregivers can confabulate as well as commiserate
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 confabulate
The errant or confabulated information that AI tools can generate is often referred to as hallucinations.
—
Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 1 Apr. 2026
These failures occurred when the AI models confabulated successful operations and built subsequent actions on false premises, highlighting the risks of depending on AI assistants that can misinterpret file structures or fabricate data to hide their errors.
—ArsTechnica, 10 Sep. 2025
Consider Samuel and Miranda in their hotel’s breakfast area:
The personnel dressed in white jackets the next morning were busy confabulating and joking with one another while cheesy loud music was playing in the background.
—Katy Waldman, The New Yorker, 21 Oct. 2019
Then Michael confabulated much longer and more fruitfully.
—Josh Rottenberg, latimes.com, 9 Oct. 2017
Confabulation seems to be more frequent in the face of repeatedly unpacking a memory; in other words, someone like EpicJourneyMan, who regularly ordered children’s videos and watched them to find damaged tape, is more likely to confabulate a specific memory from that material.
—Caitlin Aamodt, Discover Magazine, 16 Feb. 2017
Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 1 Apr. 2026
These failures occurred when the AI models confabulated successful operations and built subsequent actions on false premises, highlighting the risks of depending on AI assistants that can misinterpret file structures or fabricate data to hide their errors.
—ArsTechnica, 10 Sep. 2025
Consider Samuel and Miranda in their hotel’s breakfast area:
The personnel dressed in white jackets the next morning were busy confabulating and joking with one another while cheesy loud music was playing in the background.
—Katy Waldman, The New Yorker, 21 Oct. 2019
Then Michael confabulated much longer and more fruitfully.
—Josh Rottenberg, latimes.com, 9 Oct. 2017
Confabulation seems to be more frequent in the face of repeatedly unpacking a memory; in other words, someone like EpicJourneyMan, who regularly ordered children’s videos and watched them to find damaged tape, is more likely to confabulate a specific memory from that material.
—Caitlin Aamodt, Discover Magazine, 16 Feb. 2017
Recent Examples of Synonyms for confabulate
Verb
-
Only about two-fifths of Americans consult financial professionals for advice, according to a 2025 Gallup poll.—
Daniel de Visé,
USA Today,
15 May 2026
-
Like an athlete who’s spent months training and preparing for perhaps the biggest night of his year, Delgado trusted the work — the idea planted four months prior, the brainstorming over minor details, and the acting, consulting and editing that brought it all together.—
Daniel Flick,
AJC.com,
15 May 2026
Verb
-
Third base umpire Jordan Baker signaled out but after conferring with his crew ruled Lewis had used his right foot to leave Chourio no path to the base.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
16 May 2026
-
The other is fooling humans, particularly the dwindling number of journalists, critics, and other gatekeepers who are still capable of conferring legitimacy by paying attention.—
Lane Brown,
Vulture,
15 May 2026
Verb
-
The Swallows were a pretty dull group of four siblings—Susan was always doing the cooking and discussing the best way to scramble egg, while bossy John was some kind of Tory MP in the making.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
20 May 2026
-
Joining me to discuss rising production costs, shifts in viewing preferences, and the demise of one of the pillars of late night television is USA TODAY TV Critic Kelly Lawler.—
Dana Taylor,
USA Today,
19 May 2026
Verb
-
Thankfully, Kristine Froseth adds pep as a bimbo who hasn’t yet learned how to talk as leadenly as everyone else.—
Amy Nicholson,
Los Angeles Times,
19 May 2026
-
At many such events in the past, people seated near me have talked throughout the concert.—
Maggie Penman,
Washington Post,
19 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Confabulate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/confabulate. Accessed 21 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
