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
-
From today’s extended look, director Joseph Kosinski and producer Jerry Bruckheimer have delivered something that’s akin to a Top Gun with lots of riveting, cut-the-corner race scenes that outstrip those of James Mangold’s Ford v. Ferrari (no disrespect) and bromance camaraderie.—
Anthony D'Alessandro,
Deadline,
1 Apr. 2025
-
Most commenters on the TSR post agreed that Yung Miami meant no disrespect and that Lizzo was being a little oversensitive.—
Madeleine Marr,
Miami Herald,
26 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
It does so by replacing the minerals in your teeth that would otherwise be lost to acid coming from bacteria in your mouth.—
Joseph Choi,
The Hill,
9 Apr. 2025
-
Nothing worse than burning your mouth and chewing then breathing like a dragon.—
Raja Krishnamoorthi,
MSNBC Newsweek,
9 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
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
-
Julia Montgomery brought her sass to playing Stephanie Tanner on Full House.—
Rachel Flynn,
People.com,
26 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
Chia seeds can also be used to thicken sauces or as a binding agent instead of eggs for a vegan version of a favorite recipe.—
Sarah Scott,
Verywell Health,
31 Mar. 2025
-
Save The Cooking Water When combined with butter and cream, salty, starchy pasta cooking water helps create a silky sauce right in the pot.—
Lisa Cericola,
Southern Living,
29 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Back talk.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/back%20talk. Accessed 14 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share