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
-
This disrespect shows me these employees aren’t valued.—
Jay Reddick,
The Orlando Sentinel,
10 Mar. 2026
-
Church members and local leaders hope to find those responsible and prevent future acts of disrespect.—
Nakell Williams,
CBS News,
10 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
These silicone bottles are BPA-free and easy to clean with a wide mouth opening.—
Kristin Braswell,
Travel + Leisure,
8 Mar. 2026
-
So much for my unsmiling open mouth in my 2026 passport photo.—
Paul Keane,
Hartford Courant,
8 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Okay, Joy, get in there with the sass!—
Emma Specter,
Vogue,
29 Jan. 2026
-
Her sass pretty much sealed the deal on our guesses.—
Lea Veloso,
StyleCaster,
21 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Depending on the base ingredient, each requires a slightly different cut, cook and dipping sauce.—
The New York Times News Service Syndicate,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
11 Mar. 2026
-
The Dubai Style Chocolate Pistachio Cookie is a rich, chocolatey cookie filled with a pistachio cream, drizzled with chocolate sauce, and topped with crunchy pistachio pieces.—
Abigail Wilt,
Southern Living,
11 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Back talk.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/back%20talk. Accessed 14 Mar. 2026.
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