answer back
verb
answered back; answering back; answers back
somewhat informal
: to reply to someone especially in a rude way
impolite children who answer back when their teacher corrects them
Examples of answer back in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
In the last act of the game, Granit Xhaka, who has been criticised in the Swiss media for supposedly being too negative in public statements, appeared to answer back by celebrating a fourth goal from the penalty spot before making a talking motion with his hand.
—
Laurie Whitwell,
New York Times,
18 June 2026
Despite Gerard jumping into the driver's seat with a 37-foot birdie putt on 17 to grab the lead, Poston answered back with a birdie on the 72nd hole, and the fireworks were officially set off at Jack's Place.
—
Mark Harris Outkick,
FOXNews.com,
8 June 2026
The problem is Atlanta kept answering back.
—
Miami Herald,
22 May 2026
The Hawks answered back on the ensuing possession.
—
Alex Kushel,
Sun Sentinel,
17 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for answer back
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.
Laurie Whitwell,
New York Times,
18 June 2026
Despite Gerard jumping into the driver's seat with a 37-foot birdie putt on 17 to grab the lead, Poston answered back with a birdie on the 72nd hole, and the fireworks were officially set off at Jack's Place.
—
Mark Harris Outkick,
FOXNews.com,
8 June 2026
The problem is Atlanta kept answering back.
—
Miami Herald,
22 May 2026
The Hawks answered back on the ensuing possession.
—
Alex Kushel,
Sun Sentinel,
17 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for answer back
Cite this Entry
“Answer back.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/answer%20back. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
