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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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 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

The public weighted plain disrespect – how people are treated, apart from the economics – significantly more heavily than the philosophers did.

— ESMT Berlin, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
In the millions upon millions of words written and said about this World Cup, who has shown disrespect to players from Haiti, or any other smaller nation?

— Nick Miller, New York Times, 27 July 2026

Definition of disrespect

Noun

The man in the white shirt appears limp as fellow bar patrons walk in to check on him, and the bartender covers her mouth in apparent shock.

— Joe Dwinell, Boston Herald, 24 Aug. 2026
There is no cure for it, which means the common symptoms of painful blisters on the hands, feet and mouth, a fever and sore throat are things Scheffler had to play through without relief.

— Ryan Canfield OutKick, FOXNews.com, 24 Aug. 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

His brother was stuffing bricks of cash in multiple places and would even wrap the money in plastic before hiding it in spaghetti sauce jars.

— Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 20 Aug. 2026
Other excellent options include the pumpkin salad and the crayfish ravioli with a seafood sauce.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Aug. 2026