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

During arguments before the Supreme Court, several of the justices expressed concerns about the use of nationwide injunctions, but John Sauer, President Donald Trump’s solicitor general, faced pushback this week about whether limiting injunctions was appropriate in this case. —Ramon Padilla, USA Today, 18 May 2025

Trump later fired Comey—a move that triggered pushback—for his handling of the investigation. —Peter Aitken shane Croucher anna Commander, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 May 2025

Your creative juices are flowing, but the clash between Mercury and Mars could lead to some pushback from others. —Valerie Mesa, People.com, 16 May 2025

And while the process to advance the standards has drawn ire from members of Oklahoma's majority party, the question of the standards' content has gotten little pushback. —Beth Wallis, NPR, 14 May 2025

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