Meaning & use

backlash

noun·Academic

A strong negative reaction by a large number of people to a recent event, decision, or policy.

See it in a sentence

The company faced a public backlash after the price increase was announced.

There was a swift backlash against the controversial new law.

A note on using this word

Usually implies a sudden, collective reaction rather than a single person's complaint.

Words with a similar meaning

reactionoutcryopposition

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

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