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
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
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
Then there's the back talk.
—Washington Post, 7 Oct. 2021
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
Any rebelliousness or back talk was considered witchcraft, and punished accordingly.
—Johnny Edwards, ajc, 17 June 2022
Watching Felton brings back talk of Duke Johnson following Hue Jackson around to meetings in 2017.
—Scott Patsko, cleveland, 31 July 2021
Brian Moylan, Vulture, 23 May 2024
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
Then there's the back talk.
—Washington Post, 7 Oct. 2021
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
Any rebelliousness or back talk was considered witchcraft, and punished accordingly.
—Johnny Edwards, ajc, 17 June 2022
Watching Felton brings back talk of Duke Johnson following Hue Jackson around to meetings in 2017.
—Scott Patsko, cleveland, 31 July 2021
Recent Examples of Synonyms for back talk
Noun
-
April 21, 2025 Regardless of one’s position on the war in Ukraine, the president has shown a stunning disrespect for a world leader, an unprecedented bow to Russia’s leader, and a complete disregard for diplomacy.—
Paul Bedard,
The Washington Examiner,
26 Apr. 2025
-
The vice president accused Ukraine's leader of showing disrespect to the president and of insufficient gratitude to the U.S. for its help.—
Josh Hammer,
MSNBC Newsweek,
15 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Plus, allergies often lead to mouth breathing, which can dry out the mouth, exacerbating the scent wafting out.—
Angela Haupt,
Time,
2 May 2025
-
Word of mouth could see that number climb higher, as well as indicate that the film will have strong legs in the days ahead..—
Pamela McClintock,
HollywoodReporter,
2 May 2025
Noun
-
This vibrant fruity floral packs a whole lot of sass into one tiny bottle.—
Mary Honkus,
Glamour,
8 Apr. 2025
-
Known for her problem-solving skills, quick thinking, and a touch of sass—which often help the gang overcome challenges.—
Lauryn Higgins,
Parents,
12 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
The finished casserole is creamy with a mild-medium spice level from the green chiles and enchilada sauce.—
Kimberly Holland,
Southern Living,
24 Apr. 2025
-
For Summertime Both sandwiches can be paired with two of the comedians’ sauces — Cedric’s Sweet Bussin Brown Sugar Sauce, a sweet and tangy BBQ sauce and A deliciously sweet and tangy BBQ sauce and Anthony’s Spicy Chipotle Smoke Sauce, a hotter sauce that uses chipotle peppers.—
Emily Rella,
People.com,
24 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Back talk.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/back%20talk. Accessed 8 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share