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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Example Sentences
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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
-
Now the removal or disrespect for women.—
Gary Franks,
Hartford Courant,
17 June 2026
-
The idea is a partial and symbolic sharing, and the purpose is to break the link between hard work and disrespect.—
Wyatt Williams,
Harpers Magazine,
2 June 2026
Noun
-
Cellphone video shows a staff member with a bloodied mouth climbing into the back of an ambulance.—
Elle McLogan,
CBS News,
22 June 2026
-
Gleaning from context clues, French fries is season 8’s code for hand and/or mouth stuff.—
Bethy Squires,
Vulture,
22 June 2026
Noun
-
Wit and sass are sexy as Mercury and Jupiter harmonize.—
USA TODAY,
USA Today,
13 May 2026
-
Verbs can deliver the sass of a runway model and a good degree of brushoff.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
1 May 2026
Noun
-
Signature bowls include the Hash Hash (braised beef, sweet potato hash, horseradish crema, feta and pickled onion) and The Pioneer (shredded chicken, sweet potato hash, Peruvian green sauce, Israeli pico de gallo and micro cilantro).—
Michael Deeds,
Idaho Statesman,
17 June 2026
-
As part of the revamp, KFC is launching 20 new sauces.—
Greta Cross,
USA Today,
17 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Back talk.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/back%20talk. Accessed 24 Jun. 2026.
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