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
David A. Lieb, Chicago Tribune, 29 May 2026
Of course, success in that area could backfire.
—Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 28 May 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
Others expressed reservations that the plan could backfire by adding too many Democratic voters in districts held by Republicans.
—David A. Lieb, Chicago Tribune, 29 May 2026
Of course, success in that area could backfire.
—Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 28 May 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
-
The double-decker Cypress Street Viaduct of the Nimitz Freeway in Oakland partially collapsed and was never rebuilt.—
Chase Hunter,
Mercury News,
30 May 2026
-
Anderson collapsed and died while being forced to complete a run during his first day at a boot-camp style detention center in 2006.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
30 May 2026
Noun
-
Modern chips are becoming so powerful that air cooling is like trying to put out a forest fire with a desk fan.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
8 May 2026
-
Doñana has not had a forest fire in nearly a decade.—
Moná Thomas,
PEOPLE,
16 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
His first attempt, a dystopian fantasy, had flopped.—
Nathan Heller,
Vogue,
29 May 2026
-
Their plan flopped spectacularly.—
Ken Rosenthal,
The Orlando Sentinel,
29 May 2026
Noun
-
The winner of the November runoff will lead Los Angeles as city leaders navigate budget pressures, public safety and homelessness challenges, wildfire recovery efforts and preparations for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.—
Teresa Liu,
Daily News,
3 June 2026
-
The race, which has attracted more attention and money than usual, comes amid concerns over last year’s wildfires that erupted in the Los Angeles area, and led to higher insurance premiums for homeowners throughout the state.—
Pat Maio,
Oc Register,
3 June 2026
Noun
-
The nose presents an assertive mix of bonfire smoke, iodine, and smoldering oak, alongside vanilla, toffee, and ripe tropical fruit.—
Joseph V Micallef,
Forbes.com,
26 May 2026
-
That’s where the whole family can take a dip in the Pacific Ocean, rent paddleboards and kayaks, take surfing lessons, and enjoy seasonal beach bonfires complete with gourmet s’mores kits.—
Beth Luberecki,
USA Today,
23 May 2026
Noun
-
Due to dry conditions in northern Minnesota, officials with the Superior National Forest are issuing campfire restrictions within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.—
WCCO Staff,
CBS News,
4 June 2026
-
Smoky paperbark-roasted fish is served with sugarloaf, potatoes and kelp, a theatrical fresh take on a classic campfire supper, while the prawn sandwich is a wonderful interpretation of the Aussie favorite, made with brioche and avocado.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Backfire.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/backfire. Accessed 6 Jun. 2026.
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