merry conversation

USAGE SUMMARY

"merry conversation" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe a cheerful or joyful discussion between people. Example: "The evening was filled with merry conversation, laughter, and good food." Alternative expressions include "cheerful dialogue" and "joyful chat."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

He stopped, picked up the man, and, after a merry conversation, drove to his club, where he procured a two-week guest card for his passenger.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

As soon as she had a quorum, she'd start leading her guests through merry, manic conversations that often bordered on trouble.

The New Yorker

Merry merry.

Vice

The TechCrunch Meetup + Pitch-Off is an event wherein tech fanboys, entrepreneurs, readers, and even a few chicks can join us for some booze, conversation, and a generally merry time.

TechCrunch

"You know, I think the more the merrier," Paul said, begging off to continue his conversation with the famously liberal but independent-minded Kucinich, himself a former presidential candidate.

Huffington Post

You show up for your reservation, are led to a recognizable chair at a table that's all yours, eat an appetizer and a main course in that order, make conversation with your inside voice and then go on your merry way.

The New York Times - Food

The bond between Linklater and Delpy is evident as they wind down at a Los Angeles hotel the day after a Hollywood awards show at which "Before Midnight" was honored; they're lit up in each other's presence, jumping enthusiastically into a conversation, their points of view tumbling together amid Delpy's merry peals of laughter.

Los Angeles Times

Last week's blog included four simple steps to starting a conversation with a stranger; a little pre-holiday gift to keep you merry and bright.

Huffington Post

They start e-mailing back and forth and then they bring other people into the conversation and perhaps start to collaborate on Facebook until "bang"–something stops the collaboration merry-go-round.

Forbes

Why, given the merry outcome, might one be left with a nagging sensation that this is rather a cosmetic, sanitised version of a conversation about racism?

The Guardian - Opinion

Merry Christmas!

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair this phrase with settings involving food, drink or celebrations to reinforce the sense of communal joy seen in high-quality literary examples.

Common error

In strictly modern business environments, "merry conversation" might sound slightly archaic or overly whimsical. In these settings, opt for "pleasant discussion" or "engaging talk" to maintain a professional yet positive tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "merry conversation" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "merry" modifies the noun "conversation" to specify its emotional quality. According to Ludwig, it is used to denote an interaction characterized by laughter and high spirits, often appearing in narrative or descriptive writing.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Literary Fiction

10%

Science & Research

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Legal Documents

1%

Technical Manuals

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In conclusion, "merry conversation" is a delightful and grammatically sound phrase that effectively captures the essence of a joyful social exchange. While Ludwig AI classifies its frequency as Rare, its presence in elite publications like The New Yorker suggests it remains a valuable tool for writers seeking to inject a sense of warmth, tradition or festive spirit into their prose. It is best used in descriptive contexts where the goal is to emphasize the emotional quality of a gathering rather than just the fact that communication occurred. For more modern or professional settings, alternatives like "cheerful chat" or "lively discussion" may be more appropriate, but "merry conversation" remains a classic choice for evocative writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cheerful chat

More informal and suggests a shorter, casual interaction

jovial discussion

Conveys a similar sense of high spirits but feels slightly more structured or formal

lighthearted conversation

Focuses on the lack of serious or heavy topics

lively talk

Emphasizes the energy and speed of the exchange rather than just the mood

mirthful banter

Focuses specifically on the humorous and playful nature of the exchange

pleasant exchange

A more neutral and polite version that lacks the festive intensity of merry

jolly interaction

Uses an adjective that is closely synonymous but even more old-fashioned

spirited dialogue

Suggests a more intellectual or active engagement between participants

happy discourse

Much more formal and academic in tone

gleeful gossip

Adds a specific connotation of sharing secrets or rumors with delight

FAQs

How to use "merry conversation" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe a joyful scene: "The dinner party was a success, filled with good wine and "merry conversation" among old friends."

What can I say instead of "merry conversation"?

Depending on the tone you need, you might use "cheerful chat", "jovial discussion", or "lighthearted exchange".

Is "merry conversation" considered old-fashioned?

Yes, it has a slightly literary or traditional feel. While perfectly correct, modern speakers often prefer "lively talk" or "fun chat" in casual everyday speech.

What is the difference between "merry conversation" and "jovial talk"?

While both describe happiness, "merry conversation" often implies a collective, festive atmosphere, whereas "jovial talk" focuses more on the hearty, good-humored character of the people involved.