blowback

noun

blow·​back ˈblō-ˌbak 

: an unforeseen and unwanted effect, result, or set of repercussions

Examples of blowback in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Kiros' fierce criticism of Israel and the war in Gaza became a source of controversy on the campaign trail, sparking blowback from the independent candidate in her race, Shimon Blau, who accused her of espousing antisemitic rhetoric. — Elena Moore, NPR, 4 Nov. 2026

Still, Smart's comments received some blowback, with some adding that Smart's doing pretty well financially, and that coaches have frequently displayed a financially-motivated lack of loyalty or commitment to stick with their teams. — Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 2 Nov. 2026

Mbappé probably could have said much worse things about virtually any other foreign leader, dead or alive, with almost zero blowback. — Eben Novy-Williams, Sportico.com, 30 Oct. 2026

Though negative reactions to her family’s Beauty and the Beast Halloween costumes was ever a surprise, Paris Hilton issued a defense for herself amid ongoing blowback. — Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 28 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1954, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for blowback

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