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
Judging by the angry reaction on social media, Illinois politicos may well ultimately conclude the $36 million in annual revenue (or whatever the haul turns out to be depending on how many bettors turn to out-of-state platforms) wasn’t worth the backlash.
—
The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 3 Sep. 2025
Back in June 2024, McDonald's launched the $5 Meal Deal in part to offset backlash from rising prices – highlighted by reports of an $18 Big Mac combo meal being sold at a Connecticut rest stop.
—Mike Snider, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2025
The memo, which refuted various conspiracy theories that have surrounded Epstein for years and have been especially prominent among those on the right, drew a wave of backlash from the President's own supporters and prompted calls from both sides of the aisle for transparency.
—Annika Neklason, Time, 2 Sep. 2025
The removal of the Mexican Pizza in 2020 sparked so much backlash that nearly 200,000 customers signed a petition to bring it back.
—Auzinea Bacon, CNN Money, 2 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for backlash
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The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 3 Sep. 2025
Back in June 2024, McDonald's launched the $5 Meal Deal in part to offset backlash from rising prices – highlighted by reports of an $18 Big Mac combo meal being sold at a Connecticut rest stop.
—Mike Snider, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2025
The memo, which refuted various conspiracy theories that have surrounded Epstein for years and have been especially prominent among those on the right, drew a wave of backlash from the President's own supporters and prompted calls from both sides of the aisle for transparency.
—Annika Neklason, Time, 2 Sep. 2025
The removal of the Mexican Pizza in 2020 sparked so much backlash that nearly 200,000 customers signed a petition to bring it back.
—Auzinea Bacon, CNN Money, 2 Sep. 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 9 Sep. 2025.
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backlash
noun
back·lash
ˈbak-ˌlash
: a reaction against some political or social development
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