blowback

noun

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

Examples of blowback in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
But Callaway and Good Good’s initial statements did little to quell the blowback. — Andrew Greif, NBC news, 27 Aug. 2026 But there were concerns about possible blowback from A24, and the line was removed. — Seth Abramovitch, HollywoodReporter, 26 Aug. 2026 When the league was less popular, its players may have been freer to express their opinions without blowback. — Jemele Hill, The Atlantic, 21 Aug. 2026 Yet, amid Walter’s financial difficulties, including a federal inquiry into his insurance empire regarding $16 billion to $21 billion in undisclosed loans to his own companies, questions remain over whether the blowback will hit the Dodgers. — Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 20 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for blowback

Word History

First Known Use

1954, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of blowback was in 1954

Rhymes for blowback

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Browse Nearby Words

blow away
blowback
blowball
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Cite this Entry

“Blowback.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/blowback. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on blowback

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for blowback

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about blowback

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