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

Spilling blood in the hunt for Faith was the show’s declarative statement that, despite pushback from some fans, this final chapter won’t backtrack on the show’s version of Gabaldon’s books. —Hunter Ingram, Variety, 7 Mar. 2026

Pezeshkian’s apology ​also prompted pushback from hardliners in Iran’s Revolutionary Guards and clerical elite. —Pia Singh,azhar Sukri, CNBC, 7 Mar. 2026

But, as with many artists whose music has been appropriated by the Administration, the White House has faced pushback, including from video game fans as well as some developers, over its use of gaming memes and references to promote its policies. —Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 6 Mar. 2026

After the 2024 election, Lewandowski had angled to become Noem’s chief of staff, only to face pushback from the president, who worried about the reports of their romantic involvement. —Michael Scherer, The Atlantic, 6 Mar. 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