blowback

noun

blow·​back ˈblō-ˌbak How to pronounce blowback (audio)
Synonyms of blowbacknext
: an unforeseen and unwanted effect, result, or set of repercussions

Examples of blowback in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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The social media blowback exploded like a digital Montezuma’s revenge. Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 13 May 2026 After a tidal wave of blowback that culminated in a lawsuit, a nonprofit health system has reversed course in its plan to replace its Oregon emergency physicians with a national chain. Tara Bannow, STAT, 6 May 2026 The Iranians know that the upcoming midterm elections limit Trump’s ability to withstand the political blowback from the war. Nick Akerman, New York Daily News, 27 Apr. 2026 Fortune Tech layoffs have topped 90,000 this year, but companies like Microsoft are using voluntary buyouts to cut costs with less disruption and reputational blowback. Ruth Umoh, Fortune, 27 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for blowback

Word History

First Known Use

1954, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of blowback was in 1954

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Cite this Entry

“Blowback.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/blowback. Accessed 16 May. 2026.

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