Synonyms of backfire

backfire 1 of 2

verb

ˈbak-ˌfī(-ə)r 

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

• collapse
• flop
• boomerang
• struggle
• fold
• wane
• slip
• flunk
• wash out
• flounder
• slump
• decline

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• succeed
• flourish
• thrive
• prosper

backfire

2 of 2

noun

as in forest fire

Related Words

• forest fire
• wildfire
• bonfire
• campfire
• conflagration
• brush fire
• inferno
• arson
• blaze
• holocaust
• flare-up

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of backfire

Verb

But the autonomy that gives the app its power has the potential to backfire. — September 30, NPR, 30 Sep. 2026

But producers in the oil industry said the move would backfire for California. — Los Angeles Times, 29 Sep. 2026

Noun

No, the backfire here would come from the little fact that this campaign will be promoting California just as the governor of our fair state begins in earnest his own campaign to become president of the United States. — Larry Wilson, Oc Register, 14 Mar. 2026

To call this a TABOR backfire would be an understatement for the ages. — Sean Camacho, Denver Post, 4 Mar. 2026