Definition of double-talknext
1
as in rhetoric
language marked by abstractions, jargon, euphemisms, and circumlocutions the reporter listened to the senator's double-talk for about 30 seconds, and then repeated the question

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2
as in nonsense
unintelligible or meaningless talk the man on the sidewalk rattled off some double-talk, shoved the petition in my face, and before I realized it, I had added my signature to the list

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of double-talk Pat Paulsen, a master of dry wit, delivered droll, double-talk editorials on social issues before mounting a presidential campaign in 1968 with the Straight Talkin’ American Government (STAG) Party. Fred A. Bernstein, Washington Post, 27 Dec. 2023 What new form of narrative, what gory amalgam of truth and spectacle, what double-talking rough beast approaches? James Parker, The Atlantic, 3 Oct. 2023 If his pre-prison projects were almost entirely freestyled, these songs are more tightly written, honoring the fallen, indicting the double-talk of the industry, powered by the energy of a bowstring being pulled back for a half-decade. Jeff Weiss, Los Angeles Times, 28 Mar. 2023
Recent Examples of Synonyms for double-talk
Noun
  • The ad led Democratic and Republican House leadership to condemn the antisemitic rhetoric targeting Fine.
    Lauren Green, The Washington Examiner, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Republicans who claim that democratic socialists are like communists are either misinformed or deliberately using misleading rhetoric for political advantage.
    Tom Zirpoli, Baltimore Sun, 18 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Nonmaterialism was the sort of wishful nonsense preached by those who weren’t in any real danger of going hungry.
    Madhuri Vijay, New Yorker, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Personally, this idea that the woke nonsense is just an outmoded relic of the past is ridiculous.
    Chris Roemer, Baltimore Sun, 13 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • This dumbed-down Goebbels gobbledygook revived talking points that Habermas had tried to quash during the Historikerstreit.
    Alex Ross, New Yorker, 15 June 2026
  • But at least some of it was gobbledygook.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 15 June 2026
Noun
  • Companies modelled after Mary Kay that have reprised empowerment babble for their founders’ gain are mentioned but receive scarce judgment.
    Lauren Michele Jackson, New Yorker, 15 July 2026
  • The film almost completely drops any and all scientific babble from the book in favor of character development, action sequences, and emotional gut punches.
    Matthew Razak, Space.com, 23 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Dozens of other countries' names were misspelled or written in pure gibberish.
    ABC News, ABC News, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Dozens of other countries’ names were misspelled or written in pure gibberish.
    Jocelyn Gecker, Fortune, 21 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • The Korean Football Association was furious, responding to this juvenile, but ultimately harmless, prattle by boycotting the Korean press.
    E. Tammy Kim, New Yorker, 24 June 2026
  • Some of the prattle can feel like treading water, a delaying tactic until the inevitable confrontation scene.
    Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 17 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • And the rigmarole of international travel is a very good reason.
    R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 18 Apr. 2026
  • Alternatives were mooted, such as filming in England, but flying all the crew from Poland, and their associated visa requirements, would have added to the rigmarole.
    Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 4 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Active noise cancellation helps minimize engine noise and cabin chatter, and bringing your own pair means you’re covered no matter what your particular flight provides.
    Alesandra Dubin, Travel + Leisure, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Usually most of that chatter online is about what Kelce chooses to wear.
    Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 15 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Double-talk.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/double-talk. Accessed 23 Aug. 2026.

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