babbles
/ˈbæbəlz/
VERB
1. To speak indistinctly or unintelligibly
To utter words or sounds in an unclear, poorly articulated, or unintelligible manner, making speech difficult to understand.
1.1. Unclear and inarticulate speech
Used to describe speaking with confused pronunciation, indistinct words, or poorly formed sounds that are difficult for others to understand.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- articulates
- enunciates
- pronounces
Examples
- The nervous witness babbles through the interview, making several answers difficult to understand.
- The exhausted patient babbles incoherently about what happened.
- The frightened child babbles something that nobody can clearly understand.
Related Words
- inarticulateness
- incoherence
- unintelligibility
- mumbling
- muttering
- slurring
- hesitation
1.2. Childlike and repetitive speech
Used to describe producing childish, repetitive, or unintelligible sounds and words without fully understanding their meaning, particularly during early language development.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- articulates
- enunciates
- pronounces
Examples
- The baby babbles happily while playing with colorful toys.
- The toddler babbles excitedly as his parents encourage him to speak.
Related Words
- babbling
- cooing
- gurgling
- vocalization
- infant speech
- language development
VERB
2. To speak incoherently or meaninglessly
To talk in a confused, irrational, or nonsensical manner, producing words or statements that lack clear meaning or logical connection.
2.1. Nonsensical and foolish speech
Used to describe talking foolishly, irrationally, or without meaningful content, often producing statements that make little or no sense.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- articulates
- enunciates
- pronounces
Examples
- The speaker babbles about complicated subjects without providing any meaningful explanation.
- He babbles incoherently when asked to explain his unexpected decision.
- The politician babbles through the interview instead of answering the questions directly.
Related Words
- gibberish
- nonsense
- drivel
- twaddle
- absurdity
- incoherence
- irrationality
VERB
3. To talk excessively or chatter
To talk continuously, rapidly, or excessively, often about trivial subjects or without considering whether others are interested.
3.1. Casual and lively conversation
Used to describe people talking continuously and informally about everyday matters, often in an animated, friendly, or sociable manner.
Synonyms
- chats
- chatters
- chaffers
- chins
- converses
- discusses
- gabs
- gossips
- jaws
- natters
- schmoozes
- shoots the breeze
- visits
- yacks
- yaks
Examples
- The excited children babble about their adventures.
- Friends babble happily over cups of coffee.
- The guests babble throughout the evening.
Related Words
- conversation
- chitchat
- small talk
- gossip
- socializing
- talkativeness
- loquacity
3.2. Excessive and long-winded talking
Used to describe talking at unnecessary length, rambling from one subject to another, or continuing to speak without reaching a meaningful point.
Synonyms
- blathers
- descants
- expatiates
- maunders
- palavers
- prates
- prattles
- raps
- rattles
- runs on
- talks a blue streak
- yammers
- yaps
Examples
- The presenter babbles for so long that the audience loses interest.
- He babbles about unrelated topics instead of addressing the main issue.
- She babbles whenever she becomes nervous during an interview.
Related Words
3.3. Gossiping and spreading information
Used to describe talking freely about other people, spreading rumors, or revealing information without considering whether it should remain private.
Synonyms
- blabs
- gossips
- tattles
- tittle-tattles
Examples
- The neighbors babble about the latest developments in the community.
- She babbles about the surprise celebration before realizing it is supposed to remain secret.
Related Words
- gossip
- rumors
- confidentiality
- secrecy
- indiscretion
- disclosure
VERB
4. To make a continuous murmuring sound
To produce a soft, continuous bubbling or murmuring noise, especially like water flowing gently over stones or through a shallow stream.
4.1. Flowing water and streams
Used to describe the gentle, continuous sound of water flowing over rocks, stones, or other obstacles in a stream or brook.
Synonyms
- murmurs
- patters
Examples
- The little brook babbles gently as it flows through the forest.
- Water babbles over the smooth stones in the shallow stream.
- The river babbles softly beneath the wooden bridge.
Related Words
- brook
- stream
- creek
- ripple
- gurgle
- burble
- trickle
- waterfall
- current
VERB
5. To reveal or disclose a secret
To disclose confidential information or reveal a secret, often carelessly, unintentionally, or without considering the consequences.
5.1. Revealing secrets and private information
Used to describe letting confidential information slip or telling others something that was supposed to remain secret.
Synonyms
- blabs
- tattles
Examples
- He babbles the secret about the surprise party before anyone can stop him.
- The employee babbles confidential information during an informal conversation.
Related Words
- disclosure
- confidentiality
- secrecy
- indiscretion
- betrayal
- revelation
- gossip