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
Briefly put, every step forward toward racial equality generates a backlash from a significant portion of the white population.
—
Literary Hub, 28 Oct. 2025
Now, the store has also become a flashpoint in France's growing backlash against ultra-fast fashion.
—NPR, 28 Oct. 2025
This type of dual-currency model is considered a loophole by critics and has faced backlash from legislators.
—Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 28 Oct. 2025
Sadie Robertson Huff isn’t backing down from a little backlash.
—Stephanie Giang-Paunon, FOXNews.com, 27 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for backlash
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Literary Hub, 28 Oct. 2025
Now, the store has also become a flashpoint in France's growing backlash against ultra-fast fashion.
—NPR, 28 Oct. 2025
This type of dual-currency model is considered a loophole by critics and has faced backlash from legislators.
—Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 28 Oct. 2025
Sadie Robertson Huff isn’t backing down from a little backlash.
—Stephanie Giang-Paunon, FOXNews.com, 27 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for backlash
Cite this Entry
“Backlash.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/backlash. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
backlash
noun
back·lash
ˈbak-ˌlash
: a reaction against some political or social development
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