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Definition of pushback

pushback

/ˈpʊʃ.bæk/
push · back
Plural:pushbacks
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pushback Lexical Profile

pushback Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A negative orunfavorable reaction, resistance, or opposition to a proposed policy, change, or action.

Example

"The management team encountered significant pushback from employees after announcing the return-to-office mandate."

2

The airport procedure during which an aircraft is moved backward away from its gate by an external tug or tractor prior to taxiing.

Example

"The flight attendant asked all passengers to stow their carry-on luggage in preparation for pushback from the gate."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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Word Nuance & Usage

The single-word form 'pushback' is strictly a noun (e.g., 'we received strong pushback'), whereas the two-word form 'push back' functions as a phrasal verb (e.g., 'employees began to push back against the policy').

• Nearby Words

pus
puschkinia
push
pushback
pushbike
pushbutton
pushcart

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Pushback. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/pushback
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