blowback

noun

blow·​back ˈblō-ˌbak How to pronounce blowback (audio)
: an unforeseen and unwanted effect, result, or set of repercussions

Examples of blowback 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.
Duchess Meghan is clapping back after blowback for a viral video of her dancing with Prince Harry. Jay Stahl, USA Today, 17 June 2025 The tariff idea met quick blowback from entertainment insiders who denounced them as unenforceable and out of touch with the globally networked way that movies are produced and viewed. Ali Martin, Christian Science Monitor, 14 June 2025 After a small corner of the internet buzzed with blowback to the pop star's irony-laden Man's Best Friend album cover — which sees her on her knees in front of a man — the panelists broke down the reaction by lifting the 26-year-old up. Joey Nolfi Published, EW.com, 12 June 2025 Oz had previously pretended his mother was dead in order to protect her from the type of blowback that comes with his affiliations. Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 9 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for blowback

Word History

First Known Use

1954, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of blowback was in 1954

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Blowback.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/blowback. Accessed 25 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on blowback

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!