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 carmaker’s quarterly sales fell a significant 13% in the first quarter compared to the same period last year, due mainly to political backlash against CEO Elon Musk.
—
Frank Holmes, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025
International ETFs — Several funds tracking international stocks took a hit after Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said levies would stay in place despite backlash.
—Alex Harring, CNBC, 7 Apr. 2025
Directors Tyler Gillett and Matt Bettinelli-Olpin, who helmed the fifth and sixth films in the series, had already parted ways with the franchise; Christopher Landon was going to direct the seventh film, but also left the project amid the backlash.
—Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 7 Apr. 2025
Listen to this article A sweeping proposal to revamp many San Diego parking rules — including plans to end free street parking on Sundays and install meters in Balboa Park — is facing backlash from residents, merchant groups and nonprofits.
—David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Apr. 2025
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Frank Holmes, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025
International ETFs — Several funds tracking international stocks took a hit after Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said levies would stay in place despite backlash.
—Alex Harring, CNBC, 7 Apr. 2025
Directors Tyler Gillett and Matt Bettinelli-Olpin, who helmed the fifth and sixth films in the series, had already parted ways with the franchise; Christopher Landon was going to direct the seventh film, but also left the project amid the backlash.
—Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 7 Apr. 2025
Listen to this article A sweeping proposal to revamp many San Diego parking rules — including plans to end free street parking on Sundays and install meters in Balboa Park — is facing backlash from residents, merchant groups and nonprofits.
—David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Apr. 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 12 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
backlash
noun
back·lash
ˈbak-ˌlash
: a reaction against some political or social development
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