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
The backlash stunned the couple.
—
Emily St. Martin, Los Angeles Times, 5 June 2026
In short, the AI backlash has grown immensely over the past year or so — and the latest numbers put the trend in stark relief.
—Victor Tangermann, Futurism, 4 June 2026
When asked for a response to the backlash, a Google spokesperson cited Google Vice President of Search Elizabeth Reid's blog post announcing the changes.
—Greta Cross, USA Today, 4 June 2026
And even the fourth race, a battle in District 6 where incumbent Kent Lee was leading challenger Mark Powell by nearly 2,000 votes, could offer evidence of backlash against City Hall.
—David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for backlash
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Emily St. Martin, Los Angeles Times, 5 June 2026
In short, the AI backlash has grown immensely over the past year or so — and the latest numbers put the trend in stark relief.
—Victor Tangermann, Futurism, 4 June 2026
When asked for a response to the backlash, a Google spokesperson cited Google Vice President of Search Elizabeth Reid's blog post announcing the changes.
—Greta Cross, USA Today, 4 June 2026
And even the fourth race, a battle in District 6 where incumbent Kent Lee was leading challenger Mark Powell by nearly 2,000 votes, could offer evidence of backlash against City Hall.
—David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 June 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 Jun. 2026.
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backlash
noun
back·lash
ˈbak-ˌlash
: a reaction against some political or social development
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