as in to collapse
to have the reverse of the desired or expected effect
my plan to throw her a surprise party backfired when she ended up thinking that everyone had forgotten her birthday
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in forest fire
Related Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of backfire
semafor.com,
22 June 2026
That campaign largely backfired, as USA TODAY previously reported.
—
Drew Pittock,
USA Today,
19 June 2026
Matt Schneidman,
New York Times,
10 Sep. 2025
This can cause the airflow to slow down, stagnate, or even reverse, potentially resulting in backfire-like sounds and visible flames from the engine inlet or exhaust.
—
Soo Kim,
MSNBC Newsweek,
20 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for backfire
Verb
But some mining experts argue that refining is the most volatile part of the minerals value chain and can sometimes backfire.
—
semafor.com,
22 June 2026
That campaign largely backfired, as USA TODAY previously reported.
—
Drew Pittock,
USA Today,
19 June 2026
Noun
Parsons was asked on Tuesday, ahead of Thursday night’s Packers-Commanders tilt at Lambeau Field, about picking your spots when rushing against Daniels, given his ability to make an overzealous rush plan backfire by escaping the pocket.
—
Matt Schneidman,
New York Times,
10 Sep. 2025
This can cause the airflow to slow down, stagnate, or even reverse, potentially resulting in backfire-like sounds and visible flames from the engine inlet or exhaust.
—
Soo Kim,
MSNBC Newsweek,
20 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for backfire
Recent Examples of Synonyms for backfire
Verb
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When AllHere collapsed in mid-2024, the district — with Carvalho’s support — launched an internal review.
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At least 383 buildings and over 1,000 other structures had collapsed or were heavily affected, and officials were still assessing the damage.
Noun
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This Anglican example near Beaufort, South Carolina, was built in the 1740s, but was largely destroyed by a forest fire in 1886.
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Schlotterbeck said forest fire ignition sources often are the hot catalytic converter on a car or SUV running off a road, or a cigarette tossed out of a car window.
Verb
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This one kinda flopped Stateside but was pretty big around the world.
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The record flopped — but their next, Sounds of Silence, fared better, thanks to their sumptuous harmonies and Garfunkel’s hauntingly emotive voice.
Noun
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Among the findings cited in the motion, cellphone data showed Hobby was not near the fire's ignition point in the 24-to-48 hours leading up to the wildfire being reported, the time in which investigators believe the fire first started.
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Since her passing, Sonoma County experienced the most destructive wildfires in California history in 2017, only for another, more destructive fire to surpass it a year later.
Noun
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Sit beside a bonfire on the beach to watch the sunset or gaze up at the stars.
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Ginger offers a spicy, citrus-like tang, while woods ground the scent and give a fiery, bonfire-like element.
Noun
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The Mountain View Grand Resort and Spa has family-friendly activities like hiking, biking, and an evening campfire.
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These 4-ounce Yeti Rambler cups are ideal for a morning espresso or a small pour of scotch by the campfire.
Cite this Entry
“Backfire.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/backfire. Accessed 2 Jul. 2026.
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