pushback

noun

push·​back ˈpu̇sh-ˌbak 

1

: the action of forcing an object backward

2

: resistance or opposition in response to a policy or regulation especially by those affected

Examples of pushback in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Hawley’s letter comes as Flock faces national pushback over its automatic license plate readers, powered by artificial intelligence, that allow police to better track cars that have been stolen or used in crimes. — Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 26 Aug. 2026

But the pushbacks and protests gradually dissipated and today shoppers pay up to $11 a day to park there. — Jessica Guynn, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2026

Gates brushed aside the idea that his suggestions might draw pushback from the accelerationist voices in the tech industry. — Reed Albergotti, semafor.com, 26 Aug. 2026

That drew pushback from commission member Lisa Hammersley, chief executive of the School and State Finance Project and one of Connecticut’s leading voices on education. — Theo Peck-Suzuki, Hartford Courant, 25 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1942, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for pushback

• aback
• attack
• backpack
• backtrack
• bareback
• blackjack
• brownback
• buyback
• callback
• cognac
• comeback
• cutback