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 recent announcement of Amazon's five-day, in-office mandate has triggered a significant backlash among its employees.
—
Jack Kelly, Forbes, 3 Oct. 2024
Since the release of Monsters, Murphy and the show’s creators have received significant backlash for representing the brothers as involved in an incestuous relationship.
—Mathew Rodriguez, Them, 3 Oct. 2024
In season three, The Mandalorian creatively stumbled a bit, ratings slipped (a little) and the show received backlash for the first time.
—James Hibberd, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Oct. 2024
Bowen Yang clarifies 'personal stance' on Chappell Roan after backlash to Saturday Night Live sketch
SNL will return Saturday, Oct. 2 with host stand-up comedian Nate Bargatze and musical guest Coldplay.
—Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 2 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for backlash 
Jack Kelly, Forbes, 3 Oct. 2024
Since the release of Monsters, Murphy and the show’s creators have received significant backlash for representing the brothers as involved in an incestuous relationship.
—Mathew Rodriguez, Them, 3 Oct. 2024
In season three, The Mandalorian creatively stumbled a bit, ratings slipped (a little) and the show received backlash for the first time.
—James Hibberd, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Oct. 2024
Bowen Yang clarifies 'personal stance' on Chappell Roan after backlash to Saturday Night Live sketch
SNL will return Saturday, Oct. 2 with host stand-up comedian Nate Bargatze and musical guest Coldplay.
—Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 2 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for backlash
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'backlash.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Backlash.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/backlash. Accessed 7 Oct. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
backlash
noun
back·lash
ˈbak-ˌlash
: a reaction against some political or social development
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