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Synonyms

banter

American  
[ban-ter] / ˈbæn tər /

noun

  1. an exchange of light, playful, teasing remarks; good-natured raillery.

    Synonyms:
    persiflage, pleasantry, badinage

verb (used with object)

  1. to address with banter; chaff.

    Synonyms:
    mock, deride, ridicule, twit, tease

verb (used without object)

  1. to use banter.

banter British  
/ ˈbæntə /

verb

  1. to speak to or tease lightly or jokingly

"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

noun

  1. light, teasing, or joking language or repartee

"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

  • banterer noun
  • banteringly adverb
  • outbanter verb (used with object)
  • unbantering adjective
  • unbanteringly adverb

Etymology

Origin of banter

First recorded in 1660–70; origin uncertain

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.

Peter Attia, the longevity guru and bestselling author who recently resigned from CBS when his sophomoric banter with Epstein came to light, copped to his blind attraction to power.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 20, 2026

A little banter ensues, making way for the real surprise guests: fellow Olympic hockey champions Megan Keller and team captain Hilary Knight.

From Salon • Mar. 6, 2026

The costumes, witty banter and theatrics of the wrestling ring influenced his consistent look and even allowed the name “Fluffy” to become his calling card.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 5, 2026

Reddit users said that they had grown frustrated with the bot after it started talking about "memories of its mother" and engaging in "fake banter".

From BBC • Feb. 27, 2026

As boys suited up and hoisted oars in and out of the racks, there was little of the usual banter and joshing.

From "The Boys in the Boat: Nine Americans and Their Epic Quest for Gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics" by Daniel James Brown

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.