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
-
The store’s workers allegedly started showing the video to customers, which was interpreted by Pierce’s family as disrespect to the dead, authorities said.—
Nate Gartrell,
Mercury News,
28 Mar. 2026
-
The amount of disrespect shown the Broncos is disgusting.—
Troy Renck,
Denver Post,
27 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The Broncos struck right back with a goal-mouth scramble tally 67 seconds later, but the Pios were just getting started.—
Corey Masisak,
Denver Post,
29 Mar. 2026
-
Barbed treble hooks do a sad number on a trout's soft, delicate mouth.—
Bryan Hendricks,
Arkansas Online,
29 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Then, give back the same sass McKenna gave her.—
Angela George,
Sioux Falls Argus Leader,
26 Mar. 2026
-
While a small role in terms of solo singing, Maddison stood out with her one liners, sass, and overall commitment to her character.—
Heide Janssen,
Oc Register,
15 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Diners will be able to get their burrito covered in queso, red sauce, or verde.—
Julia Gomez,
USA Today,
2 Apr. 2026
-
The French toast is made with pistachio bread, dipped in batter, griddled and served alongside a sweet cherry sauce and toasted almonds.—
Cooper Worth,
Des Moines Register,
1 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Back talk.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/back%20talk. Accessed 3 Apr. 2026.
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