backlash
noun
back·lash
ˈbak-ˌlash 
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
As the Texas Rangers celebrated Opening Day, another issue drew attention off the field, causing backlash for the organization.
—
Marissa Armas, CBS News, 4 Apr. 2026
Like night one in Los Angeles, the usually unfiltered artist offered no commentary on the controversy and backlash surrounding him after years of antisemitic rhetoric, mental health struggles, and his public apology in a Wall Street Journal ad this past January for his antisemitic outbursts.
—Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 4 Apr. 2026
The presence of longtime collaborator Scott and Green, who are both featured on and performed their Bully tracks, added to the sense that, despite the backlash, a core circle of artists remains willing to share West’s stage.
—Maer Roshan, HollywoodReporter, 4 Apr. 2026
Images of the 70-year-old politician waving bubble wands and waiting in line for rides at the park received swift backlash, including from Republicans.
—Bailey Richards, PEOPLE, 4 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for backlash
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Marissa Armas, CBS News, 4 Apr. 2026
Like night one in Los Angeles, the usually unfiltered artist offered no commentary on the controversy and backlash surrounding him after years of antisemitic rhetoric, mental health struggles, and his public apology in a Wall Street Journal ad this past January for his antisemitic outbursts.
—Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 4 Apr. 2026
The presence of longtime collaborator Scott and Green, who are both featured on and performed their Bully tracks, added to the sense that, despite the backlash, a core circle of artists remains willing to share West’s stage.
—Maer Roshan, HollywoodReporter, 4 Apr. 2026
Images of the 70-year-old politician waving bubble wands and waiting in line for rides at the park received swift backlash, including from Republicans.
—Bailey Richards, PEOPLE, 4 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for backlash
Cite this Entry
“Backlash.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/backlash. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
backlash
noun
back·lash
ˈbak-ˌlash
: a reaction against some political or social development
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