as in reaction
a strong public response against something
There was swift backlash to the senator's controversial comments.
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Recent Examples of backlash
Then came the backlash against diversity initiatives.
—
Jessica Guynn, USA Today, 14 May 2026
For decades, each feminist advance in American public life has prompted an equally strong backlash.
—Helen Lewis, The Atlantic, 14 May 2026
High school student Mia Tatar, 16, raised concerns at the board meeting that there’s been an unintended consequence to the anti-tech backlash.
—ABC News, 14 May 2026
There has also been public backlash about having any pickleball courts on the beach.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 14 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for backlash
Jessica Guynn, USA Today, 14 May 2026
For decades, each feminist advance in American public life has prompted an equally strong backlash.
—Helen Lewis, The Atlantic, 14 May 2026
High school student Mia Tatar, 16, raised concerns at the board meeting that there’s been an unintended consequence to the anti-tech backlash.
—ABC News, 14 May 2026
There has also been public backlash about having any pickleball courts on the beach.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 14 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for backlash
Recent Examples of Synonyms for backlash
reaction
Noun
-
General Daily Insight for May 15, 2026 A calm response does more than a quick reaction today.—
Tarot.com,
The Orlando Sentinel,
15 May 2026
-
And yet, by the time Enzo (Diego Murgia), a kindhearted and still boyish 19-year-old, can no longer conceal what’s been brewing inside him, his reaction still lands with soul crushing force.—
Carlos Aguilar,
IndieWire,
15 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Backlash.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/backlash. Accessed 21 May. 2026.
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