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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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
-
And no disrespect to the two winners in this category, both fine shorts.—
Glenn Whipp,
Los Angeles Times,
15 Mar. 2026
-
This disrespect shows me these employees aren’t valued.—
Jay Reddick,
The Orlando Sentinel,
10 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
With 30 seconds left in the third quarter, Highlands Ranch up 34-28, Jarocki cupped a hand to her mouth.—
Sean Keeler,
Denver Post,
15 Mar. 2026
-
No one can resist the soft, minty, melt-in-your-mouth flavor of homemade butter mints.—
Mary Shannon Wells,
Southern Living,
15 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
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
-
Okay, Joy, get in there with the sass!—
Emma Specter,
Vogue,
29 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The colorful, flavorful wrappers are as fun as the fillings (which range from cilantro or kimchi pork to butternut squash and shrimp to tofu, mushroom and kale), and the variety of dipping sauces (classic, ginger smash, gochujang and old godmother spicy peanut) make every bite an adventure.—
Jess Fleming,
Twin Cities,
19 Mar. 2026
-
Blanc’s fusion of European and Asian influences is at its best when showcasing autumn’s harvest; chargrilled garden beetroot with walnut pesto, grouse with bread sauce, blackcurrant meringue with bourbon vanilla.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
19 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Back talk.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/back%20talk. Accessed 21 Mar. 2026.
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