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
Due to backlash, including from Goldman's family, the book's publication was canceled before its release.
—
Jessica Sager, Peoplemag, 11 Apr. 2024
But by the 1980s, backlash to these goals was ascendant.
—Adia Harvey Wingfield, The Conversation, 11 Apr. 2024
The Israel-Hamas war in particular has set off extreme controversy over statements by university leaders, often leading to cycles of backlash and more statements.
—Teresa Watanabe, Los Angeles Times, 10 Apr. 2024
During the trial, Megan faced backlash from fans and fellow artists who questioned the validity of her version of the story.
—Zoe G Phillips, The Hollywood Reporter, 10 Apr. 2024
In 2017, Soriot faced backlash from investors over his £9.4 million ($11.9 million) pay package.
—Ryan Hogg, Fortune Europe, 10 Apr. 2024
The fact remains that during the vaunted pro-choice backlash of the past two years, not one pro-life senator or governor has lost his office in an election.
—The Editors, National Review, 9 Apr. 2024
Some critics said that Europe, like the United States, had also been influenced by a growing backlash against transgender people.
—Azeen Ghorayshi, New York Times, 9 Apr. 2024
California Lawsuits, political backlash: Dodger Stadium gondola faces more roadblocks
March 25, 2024
The topic has been discussed in closed session during Los Angeles World Airports board meetings for months, according to minutes.
—Colleen Shalby, Los Angeles Times, 29 Mar. 2024
Jessica Sager, Peoplemag, 11 Apr. 2024
But by the 1980s, backlash to these goals was ascendant.
—Adia Harvey Wingfield, The Conversation, 11 Apr. 2024
The Israel-Hamas war in particular has set off extreme controversy over statements by university leaders, often leading to cycles of backlash and more statements.
—Teresa Watanabe, Los Angeles Times, 10 Apr. 2024
During the trial, Megan faced backlash from fans and fellow artists who questioned the validity of her version of the story.
—Zoe G Phillips, The Hollywood Reporter, 10 Apr. 2024
In 2017, Soriot faced backlash from investors over his £9.4 million ($11.9 million) pay package.
—Ryan Hogg, Fortune Europe, 10 Apr. 2024
The fact remains that during the vaunted pro-choice backlash of the past two years, not one pro-life senator or governor has lost his office in an election.
—The Editors, National Review, 9 Apr. 2024
Some critics said that Europe, like the United States, had also been influenced by a growing backlash against transgender people.
—Azeen Ghorayshi, New York Times, 9 Apr. 2024
California Lawsuits, political backlash: Dodger Stadium gondola faces more roadblocks
March 25, 2024
The topic has been discussed in closed session during Los Angeles World Airports board meetings for months, according to minutes.
—Colleen Shalby, Los Angeles Times, 29 Mar. 2024
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 25 Apr. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
backlash
noun
back·lash
ˈbak-ˌlash
: a reaction against some political or social development
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