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

The purpose is not to intimidate you but to proactively acknowledge the challenges at the very beginning of the meeting, to disarm the pushback. — Inga Bielińska, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2026

Most notably, when former Ole Miss tight end Dae’Quan Wright and former defensive end Zxavian Harris tried to return to LSU, the SEC’s pushback on not allowing pro players ended their efforts. — Cj Moore, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026

Trump pushes back But there was strong pushback from some of the politicians that matter the most. — Jeremy Kahn, Fortune, 15 Sep. 2026

The president agreed — with surprisingly little pushback, according to two people with knowledge of the Oval Office discussion, who spoke on condition of anonymity to describe the private talks. — ABC News, 14 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1942, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for pushback

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