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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for back talk
Noun
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The message and disrespect were unmistakable.—
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The Globes’ decision to not air the presentation of the award for best original score came across as a sign of disrespect for film music.—
Noun
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Baby and Kids' Toys Babies put everything in their mouths, and the dishwasher is a perfect way to keep teething rings and pacifiers clean.—
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Mistora, the mysterious cocktail bar that opened last year in Atlanta’s Piedmont Heights neighborhood, put a bad taste in my mouth before the first dish even touched my table.—
Noun
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Their most recent project is a French rosé, a mix of NYC sass meets Provence.—
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The whole equilibrium of the show was thrown off without Leighton bringing her signature sass (and questionable fashion choices) to Essex College.—
Noun
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In addition to The Traitors, the castle is also a wedding and event venue — and was once owned by the grandson of the creator of Worcestershire sauce.—
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The sauce, which we were told took a lot of experimenting to dial in, strikes a nice balance.—
Cite this Entry
“Back talk.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/back%20talk. Accessed 20 Jan. 2026.
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