1
as in chatter
friendly, informal conversation or an instance of this
their patter could be heard down the hall
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in terminology
the special terms or expressions of a particular group or field
the patter of highbrow criticism that one hears in fashionable art galleries
Synonyms & Similar Words
as in to chat
to engage in casual or rambling conversation
the toddler pattered on for what seemed like hours
Synonyms & Similar Words
Examples 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 patter
Bryan West, The Tennessean, 18 Apr. 2024
This isn’t the pitter patter of little feet I was promised.
—Caleb Harris, Austin American-Statesman, 22 Nov. 2024
Bailey Reed, The Courier-Journal, 16 July 2024
On the day of my visit, the heads of the organization had gathered to plot out the future of their movement, a light rain pattering at the windows of their conference room.
—Simon Shuster / Vilnius, TIME, 17 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for patter 
Noun
The song moves in melancholic piano pitter patters.
—Bryan West, The Tennessean, 18 Apr. 2024
This isn’t the pitter patter of little feet I was promised.
—Caleb Harris, Austin American-Statesman, 22 Nov. 2024
Verb
Young dancers clad in black leotards pattered gently across the stage to their places.
—Bailey Reed, The Courier-Journal, 16 July 2024
On the day of my visit, the heads of the organization had gathered to plot out the future of their movement, a light rain pattering at the windows of their conference room.
—Simon Shuster / Vilnius, TIME, 17 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for patter
Recent Examples of Synonyms for patter
Noun
-
Natural light plus background chatter plus the smell of coffee equals better stories for you.Jenna Thompson, Kansas City Star, 2 Jan. 2025
-
Close losses have been the bane of their season so far, but games like Wednesday’s can help with stacking wins and quelling trade chatter, even if for just another day.James Jackson, The Athletic, 2 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
The situation was, to use Kraft’s terminology this week, untenable.Chad Graff, The Athletic, 8 Jan. 2025
-
Judge John Robert Blakey held a charge conference for attorneys on Jan. 2, when prosecutors and the defense teams discussed terminology used in the indictment.Jim Talamonti | The Center Square contributor, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 5 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
Soon, a dozen people would be chatting in the street about work, soccer, food, border crossings, family.Mosab Abu Toha, The New Yorker, 31 Dec. 2024
-
And strolling while chatting allowed politicians to avoid eavesdroppers.Livia Gershon, JSTOR Daily, 30 Dec. 2024
Noun
-
Correspondent Rita Braver looks back on the remarkable life of a public servant and Nobel Peace Prize-winner, and talks with Carter's son, Chip; former Carter aide Stuart Eizenstat; and biographer Jonathan Alter, about Jimmy Carter's legacy.David Morgan, CBS News, 2 Jan. 2025
-
Pep talks, affirmations or an arm around your shoulder are good medicine for sticking to your New Year’s resolutions.Bryan Robinson, Forbes, 1 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
Another challenge is the inherent complexity of the Arabic language, including its intricate grammar, different dialects and unique script.Geoffrey Alphonso, Forbes, 3 Jan. 2025
-
Many live in complex social groups, communicate in different dialects, pass on culture through generations, engage in play and even grieve the loss of family and friends as was the case here.Tom Howarth, Newsweek, 3 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
Footage of the rescue, shared by the HCSO, shows the moment the rescuers’ boats converged on the buoy and crews conversed with the survivors.Abigail Adams, People.com, 7 Jan. 2025
-
Chesney will often be found helping with the residents’ free time, serving ice cream, and conversing with the residents.Gabrielle Chenault, The Tennessean, 20 Dec. 2024
Noun
-
Some assert that generative AI is going to slowly but surely change our vocabulary.Lance Eliot, Forbes, 29 Dec. 2024
-
Annotated Liz Tracey April 19, 2024 Noah Webster’s American Dictionary of the English Language declared Americans free from the tyranny of British institutions and their vocabularies.The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 27 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
Ohio isn't known for seismic activity, but two noticeable earthquakes rattled the state in the past two weeks.Erin Couch, The Enquirer, 29 Dec. 2024
-
Then, in the third, Olivier rattled Boston’s Charlie McAvoy with a hit along the wall and was challenged to a fight by defenseman Nikita Zadorov.Aaron Portzline, The Athletic, 28 Dec. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near patter
Cite this Entry
“Patter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/patter. Accessed 14 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share