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
That movement gave way to a backlash that’s playing out in schools, businesses and the federal government.
—
New York Times, 17 Feb. 2025
Doing so would likely generate backlash from CBS journalists and others who would see it as another major media organization capitulating to the president in hopes of currying favor.
—Gene Maddaus, Variety, 15 Feb. 2025
The students’ stunning reaction shortly after the shooting, refusing to succumb to their grief and calling out ineffectual politicians, captured the nation while also drawing backlash from the far-right.
—Jorge L. Ortiz, USA TODAY, 14 Feb. 2025
The change sparked backlash as Google Maps officially honored the change.
—Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 14 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for backlash 
New York Times, 17 Feb. 2025
Doing so would likely generate backlash from CBS journalists and others who would see it as another major media organization capitulating to the president in hopes of currying favor.
—Gene Maddaus, Variety, 15 Feb. 2025
The students’ stunning reaction shortly after the shooting, refusing to succumb to their grief and calling out ineffectual politicians, captured the nation while also drawing backlash from the far-right.
—Jorge L. Ortiz, USA TODAY, 14 Feb. 2025
The change sparked backlash as Google Maps officially honored the change.
—Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 14 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for backlash
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Cite this Entry
“Backlash.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/backlash. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.
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