as in reaction
a strong public response against something
There was swift backlash to the senator's controversial comments.
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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
-
While nobody in college football is condoning that type of reaction from fans, the emotions of losing The Game are what will keep it relevant even in an era when the stakes aren’t as high, Carpenter said.—
Austin Meek,
New York Times,
7 July 2025
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Motor skills have declined further, reaction times have slowed and decision-making has deteriorated.—
Jesse Pines,
Forbes.com,
7 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Backlash.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/backlash. Accessed 11 Jul. 2025.
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