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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of backfire
Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Time, 19 May 2025
Neglecting existing customers with existing rates could backfire in a big way.
—Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 May 2025
Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 18 Apr. 2025
Should Trump’s tariff scheme backfire completely by causing a recession or worse, their reputations as risk managers and complex-systems thinkers would naturally be tarnished (see: Bill Ackman).
—Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 9 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for backfire
Verb
Trump predictably attacked him, which immediately backfired.
—Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Time, 19 May 2025
Neglecting existing customers with existing rates could backfire in a big way.
—Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 May 2025
Noun
What feels like regaining control — through guilt induction or exaggerated emotions — actually backfires, pushing the partner away.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 18 Apr. 2025
Should Trump’s tariff scheme backfire completely by causing a recession or worse, their reputations as risk managers and complex-systems thinkers would naturally be tarnished (see: Bill Ackman).
—Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 9 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for backfire
Recent Examples of Synonyms for backfire
Verb
-
The security perimeter collapses, and the risk increases exponentially.—
Craig Davies,
Forbes.com,
27 May 2025
-
Video shows the man collapse to the ground, deputies said.—
Olivia Lloyd,
Miami Herald,
26 May 2025
Verb
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So Oettinger, out of sheer desperation, flopped to his right, awkwardly because his right foot sort of got caught under him, and swatted the puck down with two hands.—
Mark Lazerus,
New York Times,
18 May 2025
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Last night’s after-party offered an inclusive and welcoming environment, where folks flopped on an array of comfy sofas to take a break from dancing. Passport: Explore the finest destinations and experiences around the world in the Forbes Passport newsletter.—
Natasha Gural,
Forbes.com,
15 May 2025
Noun
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While her home was not destroyed, the actress revealed in a Jan. 10 interview that one of her friends perished in the wildfires.—
Edward Segarra,
USA Today,
22 May 2025
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The lawsuit lists the major destructive wildfires that investigators said were sparked by Edison’s equipment in recent years, including the Bobcat and Silverado fires in 2020, as well as the Coastal and Fairview fires in 2022.—
Melody Petersen,
Los Angeles Times,
21 May 2025
Noun
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Lakeside living may bring to mind images of cabins and bonfires.—
Tori Latham,
Robb Report,
5 May 2025
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Between the beach bonfire and this choice of dinner theme, these guests have some of the best taste of the season.—
Rafaela Bassili,
Vulture,
29 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Some of my fondest memories are of making a pour-over around the campfire or canoodling with lovers while waiting for the kettle to heat.—
Louryn Strampe,
Wired News,
24 May 2025
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Across the South, there are still camps that lean into the magic of handwritten letters, canoe races, campfire songs, and days so full that phones don’t even cross your mind.—
Symiah Dorsey,
Southern Living,
18 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Backfire.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/backfire. Accessed 30 May. 2025.
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