BACK TALK Synonyms: 53 Similar and Opposite Words

back talk

noun

Definition of back talk

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of back talk There’s no back talk and no emotional baggage, just pure obedience. — Jason Parham, Wired News, 26 Feb. 2026 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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for back talk

Noun

The board's vague message didn't point to specific administrators or specific instances of disrespect.

— Aubrey Wright, IndyStar, 11 Sep. 2026
No disrespect to the players themselves, Burns said, but Dallas showing that level of concern this close to the start of the season is noteworthy.

— Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of disrespect

Noun

The team also mapped this change to the ventrolateral striatum (VLS), an area of the striatum involved particularly in movements of the mouth and tongue.

— Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 28 Sep. 2026
After all, how dare the franchise depart from its humble instrumental beginnings and have a human making mouth noises over the opening credits?

— Sergio Pereira, Space.com, 26 Sep. 2026

Definition of mouth

Noun

Susi Singer’s figurative candlestick has style and sass that owes at least partly to its earthenware origins, favored at the Werkstätte for its affordability over porcelain, but much less capable of refined shapes.

— Emily Watlington, ARTnews.com, 24 Aug. 2026
Played to perfection by Robert Picardo, the Emergency Medical Hologram was programmed to save lives and give sass.

— Jordan Hoffman, Entertainment Weekly, 4 July 2026

Definition of sass

Noun

One order comes with five large chicken strips and a container of dipping sauce.

— Angela Rodriguez, Sacbee.com, 21 Sep. 2026
Honey-Garlic Chicken Honey, fresh ginger, chili-garlic sauce, garlic, and balsamic vinegar combine with a little butter to make a gorgeous glaze for chicken thighs.

— Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 19 Sep. 2026