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
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
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And there’s no disrespect intended to fellow Hawks draftee Zuby Ejiofor (a 6-foot-7, 245-pound senior who was Big East Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year?
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Now the removal or disrespect for women.
Noun
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Cellphone video shows a staff member with a bloodied mouth climbing into the back of an ambulance.
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Gleaning from context clues, French fries is season 8’s code for hand and/or mouth stuff.
Noun
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Wit and sass are sexy as Mercury and Jupiter harmonize.
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Verbs can deliver the sass of a runway model and a good degree of brushoff.
Noun
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Servers suggested mud crab, a variety known for its firmer, savory-sweetness that could handle the richness of the Macau-style curried coconut sauce in which it was baked.
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The classic and irresistible pairing of fat and acid is nothing short of genius; the butter that makes the sauce taste so rich and creamy is perfectly tempered by the vinegar that adds a signature tang to the hot sauce.
Cite this Entry
“Back talk.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/back%20talk. Accessed 27 Jun. 2026.
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