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
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
-
The problem isn’t that my girlfriend wouldn’t get to go, but the disrespect and dishonesty of uninviting her out of the blue and trying to cover it up as being a genuine mistake.—
Jordan Greene,
PEOPLE,
14 Oct. 2025
-
That’s disrespect of a two-time champion.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
7 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Good flavor knows no boundaries, and Charlotte’s restaurants featuring authentic Hispanic and Latin American cuisine will make your mouth water.—
Loán Lake,
Charlotte Observer,
15 Oct. 2025
-
Also, keep it out of eyes, noses, and mouths.—
Arricca Elin SanSone,
Southern Living,
15 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
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
-
With her trademark sass, honeyed vocals, and of course, an extra layer of twang, Carpenter seemed right at home in the Opry's storied circle.—
Audrey Gibbs,
Nashville Tennessean,
8 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
The orange juice, peach preserves, mace, thyme, and deep umami flavors from soy and Worcestershire sauce all work together to create a flavor that goes down to the bone.—
Alana Al-Hatlani,
Southern Living,
17 Oct. 2025
-
Its Tie-Dye pizza, made with tomato, vodka and pesto sauces, nods to both Italian American heritage and modern experimentation.—
Alice Gibbs,
MSNBC Newsweek,
17 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Back talk.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/back%20talk. Accessed 19 Oct. 2025.
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