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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of back talk
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
Any rebelliousness or back talk was considered witchcraft, and punished accordingly.
—Johnny Edwards, ajc, 17 June 2022
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
Any rebelliousness or back talk was considered witchcraft, and punished accordingly.
—Johnny Edwards, ajc, 17 June 2022
Recent Examples of Synonyms for back talk
Noun
-
In March, someone could undermine your plans accidentally or out of envy or disrespect.—
Magi Helena,
Dallas Morning News,
2 Mar. 2026
-
Those dousings also prompted outrage from police leaders — who decried it as an inexcusable sign of disrespect, and even suggested that officers willing to walk away from that kind of horseplay should consider another line of work.—
Anthony Izaguirre,
Fortune,
26 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The seed emerges from within the boy, who wakes to find it in his mouth—not a date stone, but a polished walnut kernel.—
Anel Rakhimzhanova,
Artforum,
1 Mar. 2026
-
Do your best to avoid letting your mouth get ahead of your mind.—
Tarot.com,
The Orlando Sentinel,
28 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Okay, Joy, get in there with the sass!—
Emma Specter,
Vogue,
29 Jan. 2026
-
Her sass pretty much sealed the deal on our guesses.—
Lea Veloso,
StyleCaster,
21 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The baklava Wellington is filled with pork belly and served with romesco sauce.—
Jenn Harris,
Los Angeles Times,
5 Mar. 2026
-
Consumers are advised not to use the sauce, to discard it, and to contact the company for a full refund.—
Michele Laufik,
Martha Stewart,
4 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Back talk.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/back%20talk. Accessed 9 Mar. 2026.
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