BACK TALK Synonyms: 53 Similar and Opposite Words

back talk

noun

Definition of back talk

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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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 There’s no back talk and no emotional baggage, just pure obedience. — Jason Parham, Wired News, 26 Feb. 2026 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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for back talk

Noun

What readers are saying The comments express frustration and disappointment over the littering and disrespect shown by visitors to national parks, particularly Yellowstone.

— Andrea Sachs, Washington Post, 30 Sep. 2026
The board's vague message didn't point to specific administrators or specific instances of disrespect.

— Aubrey Wright, IndyStar, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of disrespect

Noun

Susi Singer’s figurative candlestick has style and sass that owes at least partly to its earthenware origins, favored at the Werkstätte for its affordability over porcelain, but much less capable of refined shapes.

— Emily Watlington, ARTnews.com, 24 Aug. 2026
Played to perfection by Robert Picardo, the Emergency Medical Hologram was programmed to save lives and give sass.

— Jordan Hoffman, Entertainment Weekly, 4 July 2026

Definition of sass

Noun

Starters include lamb lollipops and baked oysters, while entrées range from scallops with saffron risotto and olive tapenade to an 18-ounce ribeye topped with sauces including béarnaise or apple-horseradish cream.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
Gather the edges of the foil and shape it around the salmon to create a lip and prevent the sauce from leaking.

— Candy Hom, AJC.com, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of sauce

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“Back talk.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/back%20talk. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of back talk

noun

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