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

Trump’s desire, which is to coat the granite facade with white paint, has been met with significant pushback from historians who say that covering the historic building’s granite exterior with paint could trap moisture and damage the stone. — News Desk, Artforum, 19 Aug. 2026

The New York Democrat, who represents a Brooklyn-area district, is more progressive than Schumer and hasn't received the same pushback against his leadership, though some have not committed to supporting Jeffries. — Caitlin Yilek, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026

Despite some of the pushback, polls show most French people favor the law, leading Morocco to explore other avenues. — Justin Klawans, TheWeek, 19 Aug. 2026

As populist pushback builds against the AI industry and data centers that power it, Republicans who have cheered the AI boom are scrambling to find a new identity as middle-ground pragmatists. — David Weigel, semafor.com, 19 Aug. 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