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
Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 8 Aug. 2025
The film’s synopsis reads: As the world reaches peak negativity, our hero’s plot for peace backfires with drastic consequences.
—Zac Ntim, Deadline, 7 Aug. 2025
Maureen Lee Lenker, Entertainment Weekly, 20 Sep. 2025
Meanwhile, two refineries announced plans to shut down, possibly leading to gasoline shortages and much higher prices, which would backfire on a Newsom presidential campaign.
—Dan Walters, Mercury News, 19 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for backfire
Verb
Cutting at the entry-level may make sense for a company’s bottom line in the short term; however, organizations that squeeze hiring at the entry level too much could see this strategy backfire in the long term.
—Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 8 Aug. 2025
The film’s synopsis reads: As the world reaches peak negativity, our hero’s plot for peace backfires with drastic consequences.
—Zac Ntim, Deadline, 7 Aug. 2025
Noun
That seems certain to backfire.
—Maureen Lee Lenker, Entertainment Weekly, 20 Sep. 2025
Meanwhile, two refineries announced plans to shut down, possibly leading to gasoline shortages and much higher prices, which would backfire on a Newsom presidential campaign.
—Dan Walters, Mercury News, 19 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for backfire
Recent Examples of Synonyms for backfire
Verb
-
In this scene, Vivian tries to teach Wil how to fall without hurting herself, as dancers do; of course, Wil only collapses to the ground when Vivian gets too close to her.—
James Factora,
Them.,
26 Sep. 2025
-
All 67 people aboard both aircraft were killed as the plane and helicopter collapsed into the river below.—
Michelle Del Rey,
USA Today,
26 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
The inflationary forest fire that many expected to see has yet to ignite.—
George Calhoun,
Forbes.com,
7 Sep. 2025
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The only safe way to get real fires was laying gas lines and creating gas burns, without releasing any particles in the air that would potentially cause a forest fire.—
Tomris Laffly,
Time,
6 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Splinter after splinter flopping onto the stone threshold, tsss, tsss, hissing like a nest of vipers.—
Zuzana Říhová,
Literary Hub,
26 Sep. 2025
-
This Colombian has been flopping in the US since 2003, has apparently not had a job since 2014.—
Howie Carr,
Boston Herald,
26 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
The wildfire has been burning on private land.—
CA WILDFIRE BOT,
Sacbee.com,
27 Sep. 2025
-
Areas impacted by wildfires are more at risk, as the flames can burn the top layer of the soil, preventing absorption and increasing runoff.—
Hayleigh Evans,
AZCentral.com,
27 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
The oversized blanket measures 50 x 70 inches, providing ample coverage for nights by a bonfire or layering at the foot of your bed.—
Jacqueline Tempera,
Better Homes & Gardens,
26 Sep. 2025
-
In fact, a new top for ushering in more time spent cheering on your favorite team or toasting marshmallows around a bonfire is time and money well spent.—
Rebecca Jones,
Southern Living,
21 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Hop aboard the chairlift for a scenic ride into the canopy, whisk down the slopes on a mountain bike, or sit by the campfire to warm up on those cool fall nights.—
Dave Parfitt,
USA Today,
23 Sep. 2025
-
Mark croons and strums campfire acoustic.—
Jonathan Terrell,
Rolling Stone,
23 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Backfire.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/backfire. Accessed 29 Sep. 2025.
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