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

After public pushback, xAI applied for a permit for 15 permanent turbines in early 2025, but four months later two flyovers by the Southern Environmental Law Center, or SELC, found 35 turbines operating there. — Austyn Gaffney, Scientific American, 9 Sep. 2026

Although the crew did not ply Simpson with alcohol, Halpern argues that there wasn't any pushback. — Kalia Richardson, USA Today, 9 Sep. 2026

There’s pushback, or almost like a hesitancy, rooted in the trauma of slavery. — David Katz, HollywoodReporter, 9 Sep. 2026

The rollout of the program has inspired broad pushback from hospitals and privacy advocates. — CNN Money, 9 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