as in reaction
a strong public response against something
There was swift backlash to the senator's controversial comments.
Related Words
Relevance
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of backlash
The Forest Lake School Board voted late Thursday to revisit the district’s dress code in the fall after a proposal to remove the policy’s bans on specific symbols brought significant backlash from community members and students.
—
Imani Cruzen, Twin Cities, 27 June 2025
The provision has also drawn backlash from academics, tech workers, advocacy groups and even some lawmakers.
—Clare Duffy, CNN Money, 26 June 2025
The Trump Card would also arrive as many countries once favored by the wealthy — including Spain, Portugal and Italy — are tightening their investment-visa programs amid populist opposition and political backlash.
—Robert Frank, CNBC, 26 June 2025
The Crown development has seen significant community backlash as the project has progressed, including a majority of voters supporting a non-binding referendum in April asking the village to reverse course on the development entirely.
—Molly Morrow, Chicago Tribune, 26 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for backlash
Imani Cruzen, Twin Cities, 27 June 2025
The provision has also drawn backlash from academics, tech workers, advocacy groups and even some lawmakers.
—Clare Duffy, CNN Money, 26 June 2025
The Trump Card would also arrive as many countries once favored by the wealthy — including Spain, Portugal and Italy — are tightening their investment-visa programs amid populist opposition and political backlash.
—Robert Frank, CNBC, 26 June 2025
The Crown development has seen significant community backlash as the project has progressed, including a majority of voters supporting a non-binding referendum in April asking the village to reverse course on the development entirely.
—Molly Morrow, Chicago Tribune, 26 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for backlash
Recent Examples of Synonyms for backlash
reaction
Noun
-
Both, it could be argued, as a producer and writer have only hit full stride and an international reach in TV with the advent of streamers, notably Netflix and Movistar Plus+, and the reaction of incumbent broadcasters in Spain, essaying series which aimed to combine broad audiences with a TV edge.—
John Hopewell,
Variety,
25 June 2025
-
But Marte’s emotional reaction, crying on the field after the remarks apparently triggered him, gave the Sox organization another black eye.—
Paul Sullivan,
Chicago Tribune,
25 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Backlash.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/backlash. Accessed 7 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share