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Definition of banter

banter

/ˈbæn.tər/
ban · ter
Adverb:banteringly
•
Plural:banters
•
Adjective:bantering
•
Past Simple:bantered
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Past Participle:bantered
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Present Participle:bantering
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banter Lexical Profile

banter Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The playful and friendly exchange of teasing remarks or witty, good-humored conversation.

Example

"The lively banter between the two hosts kept the audience entertained throughout the broadcast."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• verb

1

To exchange remarks in a good-humored, playful, or teasing way.

Example

"The colleagues bantered with each other while waiting for the morning meeting to start."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for banter
Antonyms
View all antonyms for banter

• Rhymes for banter

• Nearby Words

banshee
bantam
bantamweight
banter
banyan
banzai
bao

Word Origin & Etymology

First recorded in the late 17th century as London street slang, the word is of unknown origin, though it was noted by Jonathan Swift as one of the fashionable cant terms of his era.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Banter. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/banter
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