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
-
That disrespect from the oddsmakers likely didn't sit right with Browns star receiver Jerry Jeudy, which presumably prompted some offensive behavior from the 26-year-old wideout to the Ravens fans at M&T Bank Stadium who greeted him with a chorus of boos last Sunday.—
Michael Gallagher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
21 Sep. 2025
-
This was an audience of almost 500 students and zero disrespect.—
Ashley Hume,
FOXNews.com,
17 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Your Toothbrush Toothbrushes are continually exposed to moisture, whether from being used in your mouth (something that naturally contains hordes of germs) or from being stored in a humid bathroom.—
Mary Cornetta,
Better Homes & Gardens,
24 Sep. 2025
-
Gates is putting his money where his mouth is.—
Eleanor Pringle,
Fortune,
24 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Even before she was nominated for an Oscar for her performance in Alexander Payne’s Nebraska (2002), the 95-year-old actor had been a go-to Everygrandma, doling out enough geriatric sass to make the Golden Girls bow down yet doing so in the most polite, Midwestern way imaginable.—
David Fear,
Rolling Stone,
24 Sep. 2025
-
In fact, this year’s most playful trend is all about sparkle and sass.—
Elizabeth Fogarty,
Better Homes & Gardens,
23 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Prepare according to package directions, let cool, then squeeze out as much water as possible before adding to the sauce.—
Lisa Cericola,
Southern Living,
26 Sep. 2025
-
An Oktoberfest board includes a sausage, two soft pretzels, cheese sauce, German mustard, sauerkraut and radi, or German radish that is typically consumed with beer.—
Marcus Smith,
Sacbee.com,
26 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Back talk.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/back%20talk. Accessed 29 Sep. 2025.
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