pushback

noun

push·​back ˈpu̇sh-ˌbak 

1

: the action of forcing an object backward

2

: resistance or opposition in response to a policy or regulation especially by those affected

Examples of pushback in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

But conservative critics argue any new legal status would amount to amnesty — pushback that reached a fever pitch online and in conservative media this month. —Emily Brooks, The Hill, 19 Apr. 2026

After the April 8 announcement by the coffee chain that its Pride flags would be coming down, public pushback was quick and forceful, especially locally. —Kate Bradshaw, Mercury News, 17 Apr. 2026

It was floated unsuccessfully in 2014 and resurfaced in 2019 following Ken Griffin’s record-setting apartment purchase but ultimately stalled amid pushback from industry groups, including the Real Estate Board of New York. —Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 17 Apr. 2026

Ganesh’s exit from the show was announced earlier this month, sparking a fierce wave of pushback from fans of the HBO show. —Tribune News Service, Baltimore Sun, 17 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1942, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for pushback

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