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
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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
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
Then there's the back talk.
—Washington Post, 7 Oct. 2021
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
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
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
Then there's the back talk.
—Washington Post, 7 Oct. 2021
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
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
-
On the show, the long-time parenting expert helped families address issues like lack of discipline, controlling behavior, sleep separation, disrespect and communication.—
Becca Longmire,
People.com,
14 July 2025
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Photo by Todd Rosenberg/Getty Images Ahead of training camp and preseason action, LaFleur has received major disrespect.—
Evan Massey,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 June 2025
Noun
-
The Mean Girls actor also discussed why wiping Belly’s mouth in such a sensual way wasn’t only risky because she’s set to marry his brother, but because his character also has a peach allergy.—
Angel Saunders,
People.com,
8 Aug. 2025
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But every once in a while, nature throws a curveball, like what happened to Massachusetts astrophotographer Erica Kahn, who wound up with a bat in her mouth during a stargazing session at Horseshoe Bend in northern Arizona.—
Tiffany Acosta,
AZCentral.com,
7 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Kids typically say it while tapping their middle or index finger against their thumb, often with a hint of sass.—
Annabelle Canela,
Parents,
29 July 2025
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Although scaled down in cast and production size to fit the 194-seat Solana Beach theater, this rollicking comedy has lost none of it rapier wit and sass.—
Pam Kragen,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
20 July 2025
Noun
-
The spicy jerk chicken had a marinated sauce that gave it a pungent hotness.—
Carlos Rico,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
7 Aug. 2025
-
The profiteroles were big and fat with vanilla ice cream and poured dark chocolate sauce.—
John Mariani,
Forbes.com,
6 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Back talk.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/back%20talk. Accessed 19 Aug. 2025.
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