pushback

noun

push·​back ˈpu̇sh-ˌbak How to pronounce pushback (audio)
1
: the action of forcing an object backward
2
: resistance or opposition in response to a policy or regulation especially by those affected

Examples of pushback 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.
Our pushback has been that the AI opportunity is so significant that Salesforce needs to pursue it aggressively. Kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 29 May 2025 The first bird was caught in time, and the plane was set to make an on-time pushback from the gate. Julia Gomez, USA Today, 28 May 2025 Though applauded by feminists at the time, the book received pushback from Black Civil Rights activists for the way in which Brownmiller wrote about the role of race in rape history. Elizabeth Blair, NPR, 27 May 2025 The Marcos administration enjoys broad support on the South China Sea issue, with a November poll showing that 84 percent of Filipinos back the government's pushback. Micah McCartney, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for pushback

Word History

First Known Use

1942, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of pushback was in 1942

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pushback.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pushback. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!