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
-
That’s disrespect of a two-time champion.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
7 Oct. 2025
-
The disrespect is just crazy to me.—
Paulina Dedaj,
FOXNews.com,
4 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
In an intimate atmosphere, seated at long, communal tables, nestled tightly with industry professionals, guests were treated to a dinner that was melt-in-your-mouth good.—
Lynnette Nicholas,
Essence,
8 Oct. 2025
-
Transform toilet paper rolls into this monster mobile from Happy Hooligans by painting or coloring the tubes and adding on googly eyes, squiggly pipe-cleaner arms, and toothy construction-paper mouths.—
Ellen Sturm Niz,
Parents,
8 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
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
-
The Real Housewives of Potomac take center stage to celebrate a decade of style, sass and sophistication, while spilling what’s still in store for this landmark season.—
Kimberly Roots,
TVLine,
30 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
It’s topped with tender diced apples, a drizzle of buttery caramel sauce and a streusel crumble that delivers all the comfort of homemade apple pie.—
Moná Thomas,
PEOPLE,
10 Oct. 2025
-
The social heart is Marcus Restaurant + Terrace by chef Marcus Samuelsson, where solarium-style windows and a leafy terrace create an airy urban backdrop for dishes like fresh pasta with lobster and chili or roasted eggplant with togarashi, sweet-and-sour sauce, and Québec maple syrup.—
Siobhan Reid,
Vogue,
10 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Back talk.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/back%20talk. Accessed 12 Oct. 2025.
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