small talk

noun

Synonyms of small talknext
: light or casual conversation : chitchat

Synonyms of small talk

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Examples of small talk in a Sentence

They made small talk while waiting for the meeting to start. at the corporate get-together we made the obligatory small talk with some people from the home office
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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.
After small talk about his properties in New Jersey, Kushner installed himself on a fauteuil upholstered in gold brocade. — Lauren Collins, New Yorker, 26 Oct. 2026 Making small talk, for instance, can help forge both personal and professional relationships down the line, says Kristie Patten, dean of NYU's Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development. — Gili Malinsky, CNBC, 23 Oct. 2026 The conversations remained cordial, despite vehement disagreements at times, with Talarico and the voters engaging in polite small talk before delving into, at times, heavy topics. — Lauren Green, The Washington Examiner, 15 Oct. 2026 Adam has made small talk with Jeanie, who has a cute dog, but that’s about it. — Sara Holdren, Vulture, 15 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for small talk

Word History

First Known Use

1650, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of small talk was in 1650

Rhymes for small talk

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Browse Nearby Words

smallsword
small talk
small tiger lily
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Cite this Entry

“Small talk.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/small%20talk. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

small talk

noun
: light or informal conversation
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