backlash
noun
back·lash
ˈbak-ˌlash 
1
a
: a sudden violent backward movement or reaction
b
: the play between adjacent movable parts (as in a series of gears)
also
: the jar caused by this when the parts are put into action
2
: a snarl in that part of a fishing line wound on the reel
3
: a strong adverse reaction (as to a recent political or social development)
backlasher
noun
Examples of backlash in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The request to unseal records from the Florida federal investigation came as the Trump administration responds to a growing backlash for its refusal to release the government’s voluminous files on Epstein -- months after U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi promised full transparency on the files.
—
Ben Wieder, Miami Herald, 24 July 2025
But among Gen Z, the backlash extends beyond economic and immigration policy.
—Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 July 2025
The subsequent backlash was fierce, with critics calling for Bondi’s head.
—Jessica Schladebeck, New York Daily News, 24 July 2025
Despite the backlash from Alex, many commenters argue that her decision to secure the freezer was more than fair.
—Ashley Vega, People.com, 24 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for backlash
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Ben Wieder, Miami Herald, 24 July 2025
But among Gen Z, the backlash extends beyond economic and immigration policy.
—Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 July 2025
The subsequent backlash was fierce, with critics calling for Bondi’s head.
—Jessica Schladebeck, New York Daily News, 24 July 2025
Despite the backlash from Alex, many commenters argue that her decision to secure the freezer was more than fair.
—Ashley Vega, People.com, 24 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for backlash
Cite this Entry
“Backlash.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/backlash. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
backlash
noun
back·lash
ˈbak-ˌlash
: a reaction against some political or social development
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