talking
7 synonyms and 0 antonyms for talking, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — The action or activity of speaking.
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.
How to use talking
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From talk plus the suffix -ing.
Full origin of talking →Frequently asked questions
What does “talking” mean?
The word “talking” means the action or activity of speaking. In plain terms, the act of speaking or having a conversation.
How do you pronounce “talking”?
“Talking” is pronounced TAW-kihng (/ˈtɔkɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “talking” in a sentence?
Here is “talking” used in a sentence: “There was a lot of talking and not much listening at the meeting.”
What part of speech is “talking”?
“Talking” is a noun.
Is “talking” a common word?
“Talking” is a very common word in modern English.
What is the difference between talking and speaking?
Both mean using the voice to express words, but talking is the more casual, two-way activity of ordinary conversation. Speaking is slightly more formal and often one-directional, as in speaking to an audience or speaking a language. You talk with a friend over coffee, but you speak at a meeting or ceremony.
What is the difference between talking and chatting?
Talking is the general activity of speaking with someone, about anything from serious matters to small talk. Chatting is a lighter, friendlier form of talking — relaxed, informal conversation about everyday things. All chatting is talking, but a tense negotiation or a formal lecture is talking that no one would call chatting.
Is talking the same as communicating?
Not quite. Talking is one way of communicating — using spoken words. Communicating is broader and includes writing, gestures, facial expressions, and tone, which can send messages without any talking at all. People often say 'we need to talk' when what they really mean is that they need to communicate better.