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 law set off public backlash, resulting in a campaign to overturn it by referendum.
—
Lauren Mascarenhas, CNN Money, 30 Dec. 2025
Katy Perry goes to space Katy Perry received backlash in April for her high-profile seat on the Blue Origin New Shepard mission to space.
—Sarah Sotoodeh, FOXNews.com, 30 Dec. 2025
So did Ashley Judd, who got backlash online for not immediately sharing that her mother, country star Naomi Judd, died by suicide.
—Charles Trepany, USA Today, 30 Dec. 2025
Some supporters defended Minaj, arguing that evolving religious or political views should not automatically lead to backlash.
—Zachary Bynum, CBS News, 29 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for backlash
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Lauren Mascarenhas, CNN Money, 30 Dec. 2025
Katy Perry goes to space Katy Perry received backlash in April for her high-profile seat on the Blue Origin New Shepard mission to space.
—Sarah Sotoodeh, FOXNews.com, 30 Dec. 2025
So did Ashley Judd, who got backlash online for not immediately sharing that her mother, country star Naomi Judd, died by suicide.
—Charles Trepany, USA Today, 30 Dec. 2025
Some supporters defended Minaj, arguing that evolving religious or political views should not automatically lead to backlash.
—Zachary Bynum, CBS News, 29 Dec. 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 31 Dec. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
backlash
noun
back·lash
ˈbak-ˌlash
: a reaction against some political or social development
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