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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
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
-
The author even suggested that William had issues with his uncle even before that, but that the disrespect for Kate was his breaking point.—
Lizzie Lanuza,
StyleCaster,
19 Apr. 2026
-
Government officials scolded young people for the signs of disrespect.—
Justin Spike,
Los Angeles Times,
14 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Now the unicorn is back, cutely neighing, its mouth as open as Laura’s is closed.—
Zachary Fine,
New Yorker,
20 Apr. 2026
-
Duffy has also put his money where his mouth is, funneling $1 million from his mothballed campaign account dating back to his time in Congress to a super PAC supporting his son-in-law’s congressional campaign, according to the Badger Report, a nonprofit investigative outlet based in Wisconsin.—
Robert Schmad,
The Washington Examiner,
19 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Ginger and strawberry blonde strokes add warmth and sass.—
Kaitlyn Yarborough,
Southern Living,
4 Apr. 2026
-
Then, give back the same sass McKenna gave her.—
Angela George,
Sioux Falls Argus Leader,
26 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Add reserved sauce and cook, stirring often, until sauce starts to cling to chicken and green beans, 1–2 minutes.—
Nina Moskowitz,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
22 Apr. 2026
-
The lineup also includes Nigel's Go-to Doppio, an espresso con panna with mocha sauce, as well as Emily's Fave Iced Chai, an iced chai latte with almond milk and sugar-free caramel.—
Andrea Margolis,
FOXNews.com,
22 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Back talk.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/back%20talk. Accessed 24 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
