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
Some developers have paused plans or pulled out of projects amid the backlash.
—
Los Angeles Times, 11 Apr. 2026
Well, for one thing, the backlash was played up.
—Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 10 Apr. 2026
The show’s costumes were later refined after initial backlash to early images shared by Murphy.
—Lexi Carson, HollywoodReporter, 10 Apr. 2026
That decision came with some backlash, particularly after European captain Luke Donald said his players had rejected the idea of being paid.
—Sydney Lake, Fortune, 10 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for backlash
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Los Angeles Times, 11 Apr. 2026
Well, for one thing, the backlash was played up.
—Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 10 Apr. 2026
The show’s costumes were later refined after initial backlash to early images shared by Murphy.
—Lexi Carson, HollywoodReporter, 10 Apr. 2026
That decision came with some backlash, particularly after European captain Luke Donald said his players had rejected the idea of being paid.
—Sydney Lake, Fortune, 10 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 12 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
backlash
noun
back·lash
ˈbak-ˌlash
: a reaction against some political or social development
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