blowback

noun

blow·​back ˈblō-ˌbak 

: an unforeseen and unwanted effect, result, or set of repercussions

Examples of blowback in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

When the league was less popular, its players may have been freer to express their opinions without blowback. — Jemele Hill, The Atlantic, 21 Aug. 2026

Yet, amid Walter’s financial difficulties, including a federal inquiry into his insurance empire regarding $16 billion to $21 billion in undisclosed loans to his own companies, questions remain over whether the blowback will hit the Dodgers. — Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 20 Aug. 2026

The blowback was so loud and swift that lawmakers stripped out the language within two weeks. — Bob Herman, STAT, 18 Aug. 2026

The main challenge is that targeting the remaining options risk blowback on the US economy. — Magdalena Del Valle, Fortune, 15 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1954, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for blowback

• aback
• attack
• backpack
• backtrack
• bareback
• blackjack
• brownback
• buyback
• callback
• cognac
• comeback
• cutback