BACKFIRE Synonyms: 27 Similar and Opposite Words

backfire 1 of 2

verb

ˈbak-ˌfī(-ə)r

Definition of backfire

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

backfire

2 of 2

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of backfire

Verb

Yet, on so many fronts, Trump’s assertion of that power appears to be backfiring. — Ishaan Tharoor, New Yorker, 3 Sep. 2026 Trying to disinherit someone simply by omitting them from the will could backfire. — Bob Carlson, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 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 See All Example Sentences for backfire

Recent Examples of Synonyms for backfire

Verb

That pair, combined with the wider structure and personnel around them, ensure Leeds do not collapse when home sides like Brighton, predictably, lay it on thick.

— Beren Cross, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026
Researchers believe volcanic activity triggered an underwater landslide and caused a large chunk of Anak Krakatau’s southwest slope to collapse and displace a large volume of water.

— Tatan Syuflana, Los Angeles Times, 6 Sep. 2026

Definition of collapse

Noun

Similarly, a major firefighting operation was underway in southwest Germany near the village of Traisen, where the heat sparked a forest fire in an area that also contained unexploded ordnance.

— ABC News, ABC News, 28 June 2026
This Anglican example near Beaufort, South Carolina, was built in the 1740s, but was largely destroyed by a forest fire in 1886.

— Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 17 June 2026

Definition of forest fire

Verb

In this year’s mayoral primary, Raman raised less money than Bass and Pratt and flopped during their one debate against each other.

— Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 4 Sep. 2026
Of course, by their very definition, cult films almost always flop upon release then slowly build a devoted following whose passion seems to grow in inverse proportion to any original rejection by mainstream audiences.

— Chris Lee, Vulture, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of flop

Noun

In many ways, the state has moved on from those earlier wildfires.

— Andrew Graham, Sacbee.com, 11 Sep. 2026
Notley, dean of religious studies at Pillar College in New Jersey, said an unexpected wildfire last year helped researchers gain a better understanding of the size of the ancient settlement.

— Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of wildfire

Noun

Her humdrum life gives way to beach bonfires at sunset (lensed by Tudor Vladimir Panduru and Fabian Gamper in stunning dusky blues and pinks) and skinny-dipping in the river.

— Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 5 Sep. 2026
Sunset cruises, private cabana and daybed rentals, and private group beach experiences ranging from bonfires to boat cruises are also available for an additional fee.

— Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of bonfire

Noun

Hobaiter and Dominy support this idea with half a dozen claims that could, in principle, be tested, lending some scientific credence to the idea that complex human speech was selected for in the warm glow of a crackling campfire.

— Mike McRae September 02, New Atlas, 3 Sep. 2026
The firefighters made camp at two in the morning, reclining on the pillowy grass, and ate dinner around a flickering campfire.

— M. R. O’Connor, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of campfire

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backers

backfire

backfired

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“Backfire.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/backfire. Accessed 15 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of backfire

verb

noun

Example Sentences

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