backlash

as in reaction
a strong public response against something There was swift backlash to the senator's controversial comments.

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of backlash Tens of thousands of abrupt firings of federal workers lacked transparency and explanations, sparked a backlash, and led to reversals by DOGE itself and the courts. Leonard Gilroy, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 June 2025 Trump's Kennedy Center takeover has sparked a significant backlash. Rebecca Morin, USA Today, 5 June 2025 She’s received an enormous amount of online backlash and ridicule and hatred. Armon Sadler, VIBE.com, 5 June 2025 But those same programs, especially in the months since President Trump returned to the White House, have faced increasing backlash, underlined by recent executive orders eliminating federal diversity programs. Leonard Greene, New York Daily News, 25 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for backlash
Recent Examples of Synonyms for backlash
reaction
Noun
  • There may be questions about temperament given his bans for reactions against Ipswich Town and Bournemouth, and his work off the ball at Wolves left some staff wanting more.
    Laurie Whitwell, New York Times, 1 June 2025
  • Imagine the pressure of having to constantly see around the proverbial corner, while knowing full well the brutal market reaction that awaits after the inevitable mistake.
    John Tamny, Forbes.com, 1 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Backlash.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/backlash. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

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