small talk

[smawl-tawk] / ˈsmɔlˌtɔk /

NOUN

chit-chat

Synonyms

STRONGEST

blather chatter chitchat pleasantry

WEAK

babble beauty-parlor chitchat blab casual conversation chat conversation gab gossip idle chat idle chatter idle talk jabber light talk polite remark prattle rumors table talk trivial conversation yakking

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

For several years they were blissfully free of loud colleagues and agonizing small talk.

From The Wall Street Journal

She half-expected to suffer through another week of lackluster group excursions and awkward small talk.

From The Wall Street Journal

Ma, on the other hand, loves small talk.

From Literature

Smile, give them candy and make small talk.

From The Wall Street Journal

We make small talk as I’m escorted with my tea.

From Los Angeles Times