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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of small talk
Perhaps because she’s just better socialized than me, Olivia Rodrigo responds with disarming attention to my usual pre-interview small talk.
—
Shaad D’souza,
Pitchfork,
22 June 2026
The pair initially makes awkward small talk, but when David asks about Cheryl (Erin Richards), his ex-wife, Rachel eventually reveals the reason for her visit.
—
Aramide Tinubu,
Variety,
18 June 2026
Over the years, they’ve been spotted making small talk at award shows, going to the same concerts, and hanging out at Paul McCartney’s house.
—
Alejandra Gularte,
Vulture,
5 June 2026
But when life gets overwhelming and social fatigue sets in, things like small talk, loud restaurants, and late evenings out can just feel like too much.
—
Kate Donovan,
Martha Stewart,
28 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for small talk
Shaad D’souza,
Pitchfork,
22 June 2026
The pair initially makes awkward small talk, but when David asks about Cheryl (Erin Richards), his ex-wife, Rachel eventually reveals the reason for her visit.
—
Aramide Tinubu,
Variety,
18 June 2026
Over the years, they’ve been spotted making small talk at award shows, going to the same concerts, and hanging out at Paul McCartney’s house.
—
Alejandra Gularte,
Vulture,
5 June 2026
But when life gets overwhelming and social fatigue sets in, things like small talk, loud restaurants, and late evenings out can just feel like too much.
—
Kate Donovan,
Martha Stewart,
28 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for small talk
Recent Examples of Synonyms for small talk
Noun
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The association has sent emails in recent months reminding residents not to violate the clause, including in group chats.
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Executive coffee chats create low-barrier access to decision-makers.
Noun
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The talks come after the Qatari prime minister met with US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner on Tuesday to discuss ongoing US-Iran talks and regional developments.
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Peace talks between the two countries are still inching along, with one of the key points up for discussion being how to regulate the flow of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
Noun
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In the last year or two, there was chatter and debate whether Messi would actually be selected to join the national team again.
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If circumstances had gone Spain’s way with more clinical finishing or a Cape Verde defender making a mistake, then the result would have been different and a lot of the chatter currently happening (including here) would likely not be happening.
Noun
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When the table talk turns political, Hagains suggests shifting your approach instead of your mood.
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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.
Cite this Entry
“Small talk.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/small%20talk. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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