as in disrespect
disrespectful or argumentative talk given in response to a command or request
his mother sent him to his room because of his constant back talk
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of back talk
There’s no back talk and no emotional baggage, just pure obedience.
—
Jason Parham, Wired News, 26 Feb. 2026
Jason Isaacs isn't here for all the muggle back talk.
—Edward Segarra, USA Today, 8 July 2025
Look at what tribal has become: In recent years, Probst encourages paranoia and back talk, frantic whisper sessions and utter confusion.
—Brian Moylan, Vulture, 23 May 2024
Her father, a Greek immigrant, didn’t tolerate back talk.
—Courtland Milloy, Washington Post, 8 Mar. 2023
Learn how to raise responsible kids; put an end to arguing, back talk and begging; avoid power struggles; and preserve loving relationships with your children.
—Laura Groch, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Oct. 2022
Don't have any back talk or anything like that.
—Abc News, ABC News, 26 July 2022
At least an eye roll or back talk?
—Dallas News, 14 July 2022
Jason Parham, Wired News, 26 Feb. 2026
Jason Isaacs isn't here for all the muggle back talk.
—Edward Segarra, USA Today, 8 July 2025
Look at what tribal has become: In recent years, Probst encourages paranoia and back talk, frantic whisper sessions and utter confusion.
—Brian Moylan, Vulture, 23 May 2024
Her father, a Greek immigrant, didn’t tolerate back talk.
—Courtland Milloy, Washington Post, 8 Mar. 2023
Learn how to raise responsible kids; put an end to arguing, back talk and begging; avoid power struggles; and preserve loving relationships with your children.
—Laura Groch, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Oct. 2022
Don't have any back talk or anything like that.
—Abc News, ABC News, 26 July 2022
At least an eye roll or back talk?
—Dallas News, 14 July 2022
Recent Examples of Synonyms for back talk
Noun
-
Mostly the defensive tackles are Sieler, the 30-year old veteran who is coming off a disappointing season, Phillips, Grant, the disappointing 2025 first-round pick, and a collection of lower-round picks or non-difference makers, and that’s no disrespect to Zeek Biggers or Matthew Butler.—
Chris Perkins,
Sun Sentinel,
29 Apr. 2026
-
No disrespect to the San Diego High School baseball team that plays only several blocks from Petco Park, but if Stammen had enlisted several Cavers fielders to fill out the defense behind Miller, the results may have been very close to the same.—
Tom Krasovic,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
25 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
On the edges of the park, middle schoolers could be seen raising their wrists to their mouths, requesting more time.—
Anna Wiener,
New Yorker,
4 May 2026
-
The adhesive had hardened around the cat’s eyes and mouth, restricting his ability to breathe, eat and drink.—
Kyle Melnick,
Washington Post,
3 May 2026
Noun
-
Verbs can deliver the sass of a runway model and a good degree of brushoff.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
1 May 2026
-
Ginger and strawberry blonde strokes add warmth and sass.—
Kaitlyn Yarborough,
Southern Living,
4 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
In a large bowl whisk the eggs, ketchup, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce until well combined.—
Karla Walsh,
Better Homes & Gardens,
6 May 2026
-
Health officials were first alerted about the undeclared products when Costco notified FSIS after receiving two reports of beef sauce and burrata ravioli containing shrimp ravioli.—
Gabrielle Rockson,
PEOPLE,
6 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Back talk.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/back%20talk. Accessed 9 May. 2026.
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