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 the mayor is likely to run into the difficulties that have longed plague the child care system — and is already facing some pushback with pre-K teachers demanding higher wages. —Lexi Lonas Cochran, The Hill, 15 Feb. 2026

But the measure is expected to face major pushback in the Senate. —Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy, USA Today, 14 Feb. 2026

The Minnesota actions drew fiery pushback not only from protesters and Democrats but also from business owners. —Kevin Breuninger, CNBC, 13 Feb. 2026

After Polymarket was founded in 2020 and Kalshi the following year, both companies faced fierce pushback from federal regulators during the Biden administration. —Suzy Khimm, NBC news, 13 Feb. 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