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
-
Through her hit early 2000s ABC reality show Supernanny, the long-time parenting expert helped families address issues like lack of discipline, controlling behavior, sleep separation, disrespect and communication.—
Emily Blackwood,
People.com,
17 Jan. 2025
-
Experts advise patients who experience disrespect or mistreatment in medical settings to document interactions and report concerns.—
Yaakov Katz,
Newsweek,
17 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
Some covered their mouths with black tape in protest while others could be seen crying.—
Natalia Jaramillo,
Orlando Sentinel,
28 Jan. 2025
-
It was painted with clear, coarse brushstrokes, typical of Paul’s self-portraits—the head small, the mouth broad, the hair dark and tight—and the face was turned toward the viewer.—
Karl Ove Knausgaard,
The New Yorker,
27 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
Mya Hooten, Minnesota: A three-time Big Ten champion on floor exercise, Hooten is a powerhouse who brings sass to her fun choreography and knows how to nail a landing.—
Tess DeMeyer,
The Athletic,
10 Jan. 2025
-
And at the American Express stage, the classy, Stagecoach sass of cowboy boots and hats swaying to American superstar Chris Stapleton.—
Mars Salazar,
Austin American-Statesman,
11 Oct. 2024
Noun
-
Try adding sauces to your favorite dishes or marinate protein.—
Corey Whelan,
Verywell Health,
30 Jan. 2025
-
Additional items featured on the specialty menu include Popeyes x Tequila Don Julio Reposado Flavored Louisiana Garlic 3-Piece Wings with a specialty sauce and a Spicy Strawberry Hibiscus Flavored Lemonade Mocktail.—
Rania Aniftos,
Billboard,
28 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near back talk
Cite this Entry
“Back talk.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/back%20talk. Accessed 2 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share