backwash

noun back·wash \ ˈbak-ˌwȯsh , -ˌwäsh \

Definition of backwash

1 :a backward flow or movement (as of water or air) produced especially by a propelling force; also :the fluid that is moving backward

2 :consequence, aftermath

See backwash defined for kids

Examples of backwash in a Sentence

a general recession was the backwash of the crisis in the housing market

Recent Examples of backwash from the Web

That began to change in the backwash of Trump’s election.

— bob moser, New Republic, "How YouTube Became the Worldwide Leader in White Supremacy," 21 Aug. 2017
The 21-year-old Florence was participating in a 440-yard ocean-swimming race, but had been blinded by waves and backwash churned up by several passing motorboats.

— john kelly, Washington Post, "Answer Man learns to swim with Florence Skadding, the 1920s ‘Washington Mermaid’," 17 June 2017
That was one of a number of claims by the president that called for scrutiny in the fierce backwash of Comey’s accusations in Senate testimony that Trump exerted improper pressure on him to back off an FBI investigation.

— jim drinkard, The Seattle Times, "AP FACT CHECK: James who? Trump paints Comey as a stranger," 12 June 2017
The rocks could also cause a high-tide backwash, Wilson said.

— laylan connelly, Orange County Register, "San Onofre surf beach closed for road repairs," 17 Apr. 2017
Wilson said the rocks could also cause a high-tide backwash.

— laylan connelly, Orange County Register, "Surfers fear road-erosion solution could change San Onofre beach forever," 3 Mar. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'backwash.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of backwash

1837

backwash Synonyms

Synonyms

aftereffect, aftermath, effect, child, conclusion, consequence, corollary, development, fate, fruit, issue, outcome, outgrowth, precipitate, product, result, resultant, sequel, sequence, upshot

Antonyms

antecedent, causation, cause, occasion, reason

Related Words

ramification; denouement (also dénouement), echo, implication, repercussion; afterclap, afterglow, aftershock; blowback, by-product, fallout, offshoot, ripple, side effect (also side reaction), spin-off

Near Antonyms

consideration, determinant, factor; base, basis, foundation, ground, groundwork; impetus, incentive, inspiration, instigation, stimulus; mother, origin, root, source, spring

Learn More about backwash

See words that rhyme with backwash Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for backwash Nglish: Translation of backwash for Spanish speakers

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up backwash? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show

backwash

Definition of backwash

Examples of backwash in a Sentence

Recent Examples of backwash from the Web

First Known Use of backwash

backwash Synonyms

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Words

Near Antonyms

Learn More about backwash

Seen and Heard

WORD OF THE DAY

malign

BROWSE DICTIONARY

Test Your Vocabulary

Words at Play

The History of the Word 'Terrorism'

'Regimen' vs. 'Regiment'

'Spox' May Go On The Record

C'mon, Of Course 'Myriad' Is a Noun

Ask the Editors

Words of the Year: 1066

How Often Is 'Biweekly'?

Irregardless

Weird Plurals

Word Games

Forms of Government Quiz

Original Meanings Quiz

How Strong Is Your Vocabulary?

SCRABBLE® Sprint

The History of the Word 'Terrorism'

Trending: McCain: Half-Baked, 'Spurious' Nationalism

17 English Words that Come From Japanese

Forms of Government Quiz

Words of the Year: 1066

backwash

Definition of backwash

From the M-W Editors

Examples of backwash in a Sentence

Recent Examples of backwash from the Web

First Known Use of backwash

backwash Synonyms

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Words

Near Antonyms

Learn More about backwash

Seen and Heard

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games

The History of the Word 'Terrorism'

Trending: McCain: Half-Baked, 'Spurious' Nationalism

17 English Words that Come From Japanese

Forms of Government Quiz

Words of the Year: 1066