backlash

noun

Definition of backlashnext
as in reaction
a strong public response against something There was swift backlash to the senator's controversial comments.

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of backlash Pennsylvania has established itself as a nexus of data center backlash. — Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 11 Oct. 2026 His reward — and part of the backlash, on top of death threats — was being physically assaulted outside the Capitol in Sacramento and spattered with blood thrown from the gallery. — Los Angeles Times, 11 Oct. 2026 Advance, backlash, conflict spilling over into violence…and then re-advance. — Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 10 Oct. 2026 These patterns likely reflect the beneficial impacts of the 1960s Great Society programs, followed by the post-1980 conservative and neoliberal backlash. — Nancy Krieger, STAT, 9 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for backlash
Recent Examples of Synonyms for backlash
reaction
Noun
  • The trigger for lithium-ion battery fires is a process called thermal runaway, a cascading sequence of heat-releasing reactions inside the battery cell.
    — Suhauna Hussain, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2026
  • While there were mixed reactions at the time, the numbers are now backing up the idea.
    — Jessica Riley, CBS News, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of reaction

Browse Nearby Words

backlands
backlash
backlashes
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Backlash.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/backlash. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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