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 nation and the world have long since become accustomed to Trump’s loutish behavior, coarse vocabulary and disrespect for the dignity of his office and America’s reputation.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
8 Apr. 2026
-
How dare the lowly rabble at Fenway Park treat our esteemed mayor and governor with such disrespect!—
Joe Battenfeld,
Boston Herald,
7 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Virtuous women did not open their mouths in paintings.—
Anthony Lane,
New Yorker,
13 Apr. 2026
-
People who had cancers of the mouth or throat faced the highest risk, with nearly 29% developing a new cancer later on, followed by about 27% for breast cancer survivors.—
Tesfaye Negussie,
ABC News,
13 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
-
Cámara cranks one burner to 20,000 BTU to quickly boil fresh pasta and lowers the next to a gentler 300 BTU to simmer sauces whipped up with leftover garden vegetables.—
Kate Kassin,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
9 Apr. 2026
-
Many people like Awaze sauce and its spicy kick, Tedla said.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
9 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Back talk.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/back%20talk. Accessed 15 Apr. 2026.
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