backlash

noun

back·​lash ˈbak-ˌlash How to pronounce backlash (audio)
Synonyms of backlashnext
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
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.
Bauer said the two new services generating the most backlash have been adding bulky trash pickup and shifting from every-other-week pickup of blue recycling bins to every-week pickup. — David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Apr. 2025 The Mavericks could have seen the backlash coming. — Raja Krishnamoorthi, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Apr. 2025 The proposal to charge less comes after two months of backlash from residents of single-family homes, who have enjoyed no-fee trash pickup for decades because of a 1919 law called the People’s Ordinance. — David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Apr. 2025 Anti-mask laws didn’t weaken the Klan — public backlash did, decades before the law was ever used against them. — N. Goldberg, New York Daily News, 9 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for backlash

Word History

First Known Use

1815, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of backlash was in 1815

Phrases Containing backlash

Rhymes for backlash

See All Rhymes for backlash

Browse Nearby Words

backland
backlash
backlight
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Backlash.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/backlash. Accessed 18 Apr. 2025.

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Kids Definition

backlash

noun
back·​lash ˈbak-ˌlash How to pronounce backlash (audio)
: a reaction against some political or social development

More from Merriam-Webster on backlash

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for backlash

Nglish: Translation of backlash for Spanish Speakers

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