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
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
-
The manner in which Miller kept the remains showed disrespect, Carpenter said.—
Domenica Bongiovanni,
IndyStar,
5 Nov. 2025
-
The dissonance between their bacchanalian ritual and Adelaida’s silent, solitary suffering is marked, and the disrespect for the dead further underlined when a gravedigger tersely shoos her away from the graveside, reminding her that the area is unsafe, especially at nightfall.—
Jessica Kiang,
Variety,
31 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Charlamagne is the mouth, Dollie is the muscle — the one who makes sure ideas turn into institutions.—
Jessica Bennett,
VIBE.com,
5 Nov. 2025
-
The picture shows the poster holding the feline’s mouth open with their hands to get a clear shot of his gums, which, in the clip, appear covered in small brown spots, both on the upper and lower parts.—
Maria Azzurra Volpe,
MSNBC Newsweek,
5 Nov. 2025
Noun
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Since its first drink in 1954, Harry's Banana Farm in the West Palm Beach area of Florida has been serving up well drinks and plenty of sass, which can usually be seen on the ever-changing and cheekily phrased marquee sign out front.—
Kaitlyn Yarborough,
Southern Living,
27 Oct. 2025
-
Signs of sass becoming a problem include growling or snapping, guarding objects, ignoring basic commands persistently, or biting and destroying items.—
Liz O'Connell,
MSNBC Newsweek,
14 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Tofu pudding with piping-hot dipping sauce.—
Mike Valerio,
CNN Money,
8 Nov. 2025
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The McRib comes on a toasted bun and consists of a boneless pork patty, barbeque sauce, dill pickles and onions.—
Haadiza Ogwude,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
7 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Back talk.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/back%20talk. Accessed 8 Nov. 2025.
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