talk
22 synonyms and 1 antonyms for talk, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To communicate using spoken words.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use talk
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Middle English talken, related to "tale" and "tell," and ultimately traced back to a root meaning "to count or recount."
Full origin of talk →Frequently asked questions
What does “talk” mean?
The word “talk” means to communicate using spoken words. In plain terms, to speak with someone, or (as a noun) a conversation, lecture, or bit of gossip.
How do you pronounce “talk”?
“Talk” is pronounced tawk (/tɔk/ in IPA).
How do you use “talk” in a sentence?
Here is “talk” used in a sentence: “We talked for hours about our plans for the future.”
What is another word for “talk”?
Words with a similar meaning to “talk” include chat, communicate, dictate, klatch, let on and orate.
What is the opposite of “talk”?
The opposite of “talk” — its antonyms — is silence.
What part of speech is “talk”?
Depending on how it is used, “talk” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “talk” come from?
The word “talk” comes from Middle English. From Middle English talken, related to "tale" and "tell," and ultimately traced back to a root meaning "to count or recount.".
Is “talk” a common word?
“Talk” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
What is the difference between talk and speak?
Talk and speak both mean to say words aloud, but talk is more casual and suggests conversation between people, while speak is slightly more formal and can stress the act of producing speech. You talk with a friend, but you speak to an audience. Speak also fits fixed phrases like speak a language.
What is the difference between talk and say?
Talk refers to the general activity of speaking, often without stating the words: they talked for hours. Say focuses on the specific words spoken: she said hello. You can talk about a subject at length, but you say a particular thing. Say almost always needs an object; talk often does not.
Is talk formal or informal?
Talk sits comfortably in everyday, informal English and is the natural choice for ordinary conversation. In more formal or ceremonial settings, speak or address is often preferred — a leader addresses a nation rather than talks to it. Still, talk is not slang; it is standard and appropriate in most situations.
What is an example of talk?
You might say, 'Can we talk for a minute?' to request a conversation, or 'They talked about their holiday' to describe one. Talk also appears in common expressions like talk things over, talk sense, or talk someone into something, where it means to persuade through conversation.