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
-
Their shared disbelief in science and disrespect for expertise unites them.—
Philip Elliott,
Time,
4 Sep. 2025
-
Fresh out of a $24 million civil lawsuit, Cardi B isn't taking disrespect from anyone.—
Anthony Robledo,
USA Today,
3 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Their feces leave parasites on a person’s skin, and the parasites can go into a person’s body via the eyes, mouth, or an open wound.—
Chantelle Lee,
Time,
10 Sep. 2025
-
Instead of the old-school triangle eyes and jagged mouth designs, this year's top trends are all about mixing tradition with fresh tools and vibrant colors.—
Maria Sabella,
Better Homes & Gardens,
10 Sep. 2025
Noun
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But his drama is met with humor and sass.—
Lisa Stardust,
People.com,
9 Sep. 2025
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Here, played by the black actress Karen Bryson, the character is all brains and sass.—
Graham Hillard,
The Washington Examiner,
5 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Chunks of Wagyu beef short rib served with smoky awaze sauce and a crumbly cheese called ayib speak to the city’s Ethiopian community, the largest in America.—
The Bon Appétit Staff,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
12 Sep. 2025
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The original doughnuts are covered in a rich chocolate sauce and first made their appearance on the Krispy Kreme menu last year, according to a Krispy Kreme news release.—
Greta Cross,
USA Today,
12 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Back talk.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/back%20talk. Accessed 15 Sep. 2025.
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