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
This conduct stoked public outrage, triggered backlash from local officials and prompted judges to intervene.
—
Natasha Korecki, NBC news, 14 Feb. 2026
However, the backlash from both sides of the political spectrum was too great, and the video was taken down after nearly 12 hours.
—Jack Dunn, Variety, 14 Feb. 2026
The commercial was met with swift backlash from viewers, some of whom compared the feature to spyware or questioned its legality.
—Mason Leib, ABC News, 14 Feb. 2026
Ryan Murphy was very outspoken in his support of you and Paul when the backlash first emerged.
—Lexi Carson, HollywoodReporter, 14 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for backlash
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.
Natasha Korecki, NBC news, 14 Feb. 2026
However, the backlash from both sides of the political spectrum was too great, and the video was taken down after nearly 12 hours.
—Jack Dunn, Variety, 14 Feb. 2026
The commercial was met with swift backlash from viewers, some of whom compared the feature to spyware or questioned its legality.
—Mason Leib, ABC News, 14 Feb. 2026
Ryan Murphy was very outspoken in his support of you and Paul when the backlash first emerged.
—Lexi Carson, HollywoodReporter, 14 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for backlash
Cite this Entry
“Backlash.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/backlash. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
backlash
noun
back·lash
ˈbak-ˌlash
: a reaction against some political or social development
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
