blowback

noun

blow·​back ˈblō-ˌbak How to pronounce blowback (audio)
: an unforeseen and unwanted effect, result, or set of repercussions

Examples of blowback in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The video unleashed bipartisan blowback across Oklahoma, including from former Gov. Frank Keating, a fellow Republican. CBS News, 14 Mar. 2024 Lau’s new complaint is the latest bit of legal blowback Oakland has faced from the internal scandal last year that led to the firing of former Chief LeRonne Armstrong, who has also filed suit against the city. Shomik Mukherjee, The Mercury News, 14 Mar. 2024 But the Justice Department dropped the case amid internal questions about its solidity and blowback from the Mexican government, which threatened to drastically reduce anti-drug cooperation. Mary Beth Sheridan, Washington Post, 8 Mar. 2024 Much of the blowback from state attorneys general as well as lawmakers is along political party lines, coming from Republican quarters. Holly Ojalvo, Fortune, 7 Mar. 2024 Other Republicans have softened their stance amid voter blowback. Sarah Owermohle, STAT, 7 Mar. 2024 Amid growing blowback Thursday, Turner doubled down and defended his choice to alert the public to the impending threat, adding it was cleared by the Biden administration. Ana Faguy, Forbes, 15 Feb. 2024 Jalali noted at the swearing-in ceremony that the historic first was not without blowback. James Powel, USA TODAY, 12 Jan. 2024 The blowback was immediate: The decision kicked off a frenzy among patients and doctors grappling with its implications for people attempting to conceive, often after years of struggling to have children or other complications in family planning. Jonathan Limehouse, USA TODAY, 6 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'blowback.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1954, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of blowback was in 1954

Dictionary Entries Near blowback

Cite this Entry

“Blowback.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/blowback. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

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