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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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
-
No disrespect to anyone who didn’t make the cut, like Chiefs founder Lamar Hunt.—
Lisa Gutierrez
March 20,
Kansas City Star,
20 Mar. 2026
-
And no disrespect to the two winners in this category, both fine shorts.—
Glenn Whipp,
Los Angeles Times,
15 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
In the mouth of a master like Goncharov, crying foul at the sight—or, at any rate, the perception—of plagiarism acquires an astounding verve.—
Anthony Lane,
New Yorker,
22 Mar. 2026
-
There's even a chance to give them a carrot kiss, which is feeding a small carrot piece to the animal from your mouth or hands.—
Kathleen Wong,
USA Today,
22 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
While a small role in terms of solo singing, Maddison stood out with her one liners, sass, and overall commitment to her character.—
Heide Janssen,
Oc Register,
15 Mar. 2026
-
Okay, Joy, get in there with the sass!—
Emma Specter,
Vogue,
29 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Of the pastas, the ravioli (stuffed with spinach and ricotta and served in a light brown butter sage sauce) and the spaghetti di frutti di mare are complete standouts.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
25 Mar. 2026
-
Expect a variety of premium steaks, including Mestiza’s signature 32-ounce porterhouse served with mashed potatoes, veggies and a steak sauce.—
Tanasia Kenney,
Charlotte Observer,
25 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Back talk.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/back%20talk. Accessed 29 Mar. 2026.
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