Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com
Synonyms

dialogue

American  
[dahy-uh-lawg, -log] / ˈdaɪ əˌlɔg, -ˌlɒg /
Or dialog

noun

  1. conversation between two or more persons.

  2. the conversation between characters in a novel, drama, etc.

  3. an exchange of ideas or opinions on a particular issue, especially a political or religious issue, with a view to reaching an amicable agreement or settlement.

  4. a literary work in the form of a conversation.

    a dialogue of Plato.


verb (used without object)

dialogued, dialoguing
  1. to carry on a dialogue; converse.

  2. to discuss areas of disagreement frankly in order to resolve them.

verb (used with object)

dialogued, dialoguing
  1. to put into the form of a dialogue.

dialogue British  
/ ˈdaɪəˌlɒɡ, ˌdaɪəˈlɒdʒɪk /

noun

  1. conversation between two or more people

  2. an exchange of opinions on a particular subject; discussion

  3. the lines spoken by characters in drama or fiction

  4. a particular passage of conversation in a literary or dramatic work

  5. a literary composition in the form of a dialogue

  6. a political discussion between representatives of two nations or groups

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

verb

  1. (tr) to put into the form of a dialogue

  2. (intr) to take part in a dialogue; converse

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

  • dialogic adjective
  • dialoguer noun
  • self-dialog noun
  • self-dialogue noun
  • underdialogue noun

Etymology

Origin of dialogue

First recorded in 1175–1225; Middle English, from Old French dïalogue, Latin dialogus, from Greek diálogos; equivalent to dia- + -logue

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“The most valuable thing parents can do is create an open, ongoing dialogue about money.”

From MarketWatch • Apr. 4, 2026

“Duets” by Josef Albers is a study on paired compositions that are in dialogue: in form, in color and in texture.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026

“We continue to observe a meaningful disconnect between the public dialogue on private credit and the underlying trends in our portfolio,” Blue Owl executives wrote in a letter to fund investors Thursday.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 2, 2026

A second senior government official also confirmed the talks, adding: "The meeting is to set a base for full-scale dialogue."

From Barron's • Apr. 1, 2026

I spent three months studying every John Hughes teen movie and memorizing all the key lines of dialogue.

From "Ready Player One: A Novel" by Ernest Cline