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Synonyms

answer back

British  

verb

  1. (adverb) to reply rudely to (a person, esp someone in authority) when one is expected to remain silent

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

answer back Idioms  
  1. see talk back.


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Sometimes I answer back, even though I don’t think it cares too much.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 17, 2025

"No one gave us an answer back about what we had reported and conveyed."

From BBC • Jan. 14, 2024

By the time he asks, “Can I get a Chaka Khan?” it’s impossible not to answer back.

From New York Times • Dec. 2, 2022

“But in an elimination game, to not only score the first goal, but to answer back 21 seconds after they scored, you’re so proud,” Cooper added.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 13, 2022

Her last word was a lash, but Theon dared not answer back in kind.

From "A Dance with Dragons" by George R. R. Martin