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

Sima Aunty, as she is affectionately called on the show, certainly has the best intentions, but not without a bit of pushback. —Kevin Jacobsen, Entertainment Weekly, 1 Feb. 2026

The pushback could result in a partial government shutdown that could come as soon as this weekend. —Laura Daniella Sepulveda, AZCentral.com, 31 Jan. 2026

The president’s concessions to Democrats prompted pushback from some Senate Republicans, delaying the final votes and providing a preview of the coming debate over the next two weeks. —Mary Clare Jalonick, Fortune, 31 Jan. 2026

In November, Congress passed the Epstein Files Transparency Act with broad bipartisan support after months of Republican pushback. —Philip Wang, Time, 30 Jan. 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