backlash

noun

back·​lash ˈbak-ˌlash How to pronounce backlash (audio)
1
a
: a sudden violent backward movement or reaction
b
: the play between adjacent movable parts (as in a series of gears)
also : the jar caused by this when the parts are put into action
2
: a snarl in that part of a fishing line wound on the reel
3
: a strong adverse reaction (as to a recent political or social development)
backlasher noun

Examples of backlash in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Haffner’s bill faced some backlash from both parties but still received widespread support, passing the House on a vote of 112 to 30. Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 7 Mar. 2024 Trump’s leading competitor, former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, continued to win sizable portions of the Republican electorate, and Biden faced backlash from progressives over his handling of Israel’s military campaign into Gaza. Laura Gersony, The Arizona Republic, 6 Mar. 2024 An earlier and more all-encompassing proposal faced outspoken Republican backlash and opposition from a range of companies and industries, including fossil fuel producers. David Gelles, New York Times, 6 Mar. 2024 In recent months, however, the new form has been beset by hiccups, and has faced backlash on Capitol Hill as lawmakers on both sides of the aisle weighed in on an issue that has risen to the top of many families’ minds during an election year. Zachary Schermele, USA TODAY, 5 Mar. 2024 After several days of furious backlash from employees and investors, Altman was reinstated as CEO and the company announced a new council meant to set up the new board. Nitasha Tiku, Washington Post, 1 Mar. 2024 Wendy's backs off 'surge' pricing after backlash More:Restaurant morsels: 5 notable restaurants were in the news recently, here's what to know In Troy, the Hudson Cafe is on the north side of Big Beaver and in the former space of City Barbeque, which moved to a location on Rochester Road. Susan Selasky, Detroit Free Press, 1 Mar. 2024 Gosling is at the top of his industry and was willing to put himself out there and support his co-star and colleagues – even in the midst of the backlash. Teresa Hopke, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024 Already, however, the backlash has had consequences. Scott Roxborough, The Hollywood Reporter, 28 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'backlash.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1815, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of backlash was in 1815

Dictionary Entries Near backlash

Cite this Entry

“Backlash.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/backlash. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

backlash

noun
back·​lash ˈbak-ˌlash How to pronounce backlash (audio)
: a reaction against some political or social development
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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