BACK TALKS 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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 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

Nathan is offended and starts going on his usual rant about not tolerating disrespect toward his family.

— Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 6 Oct. 2026
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

Definition of disrespect

Noun

But a few times in recent years, Hollins, a veterinarian, tricked Jonathan and slid a cotton swab into the giant tortoise's mouth to get a saliva sample.

— KYLE MELNICK THE WASHINGTON POST, Arkansas Online, 18 Oct. 2026
Kip’s leaning into the frame, giving a thumbs-up, one of the KitKats in his mouth like a cigarillo.

— George Saunders, New Yorker, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of mouth

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

Butter, mac and cheese and a sauce lacked common name of the foods.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 12 Oct. 2026
Served on Vista Alegre porcelain, recent dishes from Tap’s Local Stars program have included sautéed prawns with strawberry gazpacho, roasted cod in pil-pil sauce, veal terrine, and Dom Rodrigo, an Algarve dessert made with egg yolks and almonds.

— Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 12 Oct. 2026