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
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
-
Chinese diplomatic backlash was instantaneous, with one Chinese official based in Tokyo threatening to cut off her head for the disrespect of her comments.—
Timothy Nerozzi,
The Washington Examiner,
29 Dec. 2025
-
Bro, don’t marry Svetlana (no disrespect to Svetlana).—
Emma Specter,
Vogue,
27 Dec. 2025
Noun
-
Baby and Kids' Toys Babies put everything in their mouths, and the dishwasher is a perfect way to keep teething rings and pacifiers clean.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
The Spruce,
9 Jan. 2026
-
Mistora, the mysterious cocktail bar that opened last year in Atlanta’s Piedmont Heights neighborhood, put a bad taste in my mouth before the first dish even touched my table.—
Henri Hollis,
AJC.com,
8 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
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
-
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 9 Jan. 2026.
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