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
Michaeleen Doucleff, NPR, 9 Mar. 2026
With the tie going to extra time, the plan to give the likes of Joao Pedro, Gusto and Cucurella a comfortable and restful evening backfired anyway.
—Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 7 Mar. 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
Focusing on willpower can backfire Willpower is the ability to resist a temptation right in front of you, Milyavskaya says.
—Michaeleen Doucleff, NPR, 9 Mar. 2026
With the tie going to extra time, the plan to give the likes of Joao Pedro, Gusto and Cucurella a comfortable and restful evening backfired anyway.
—Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 7 Mar. 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
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The twister damaged the roof, collapsed and removed barn doors and peeled siding off a farm building, and snapped a row of trees, some in half, according to the NWS.—
Joe Marusak,
Charlotte Observer,
14 Mar. 2026
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Water and electricity are hard to come by, and the medical system is collapsing.—
Michael Butler,
Miami Herald,
14 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Tengden said the aircraft is designed for reconnaissance, precision strikes, communications relay, emergency rescue, and forest fire prevention.—
Sujita Sinha,
Interesting Engineering,
5 Dec. 2025
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The forest fire sequence is a good example.—
Clayton Davis,
Variety,
24 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Both teams … the Heat and the Wizards … conspired with their flopping and intentional fouling to get him to 83.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
14 Mar. 2026
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Still, the series might have flopped were its actors not so likable.—
Graham Hillard,
The Washington Examiner,
13 Mar. 2026
Noun
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This year, the elephant in the room is the ongoing Iran war, which like last year’s wildfires, puts a celebration like the Oscars in sharp relief.—
Malia Mendez,
Los Angeles Times,
11 Mar. 2026
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Dozens of counties across the state have issued burn bans due to the ongoing drought and elevated wildfire risk.—
Dan Peck,
ABC News,
10 Mar. 2026
Noun
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There will be a bonfire and a parade to the Lincoln Road Playground.—
Karu F. Daniels,
New York Daily News,
5 Mar. 2026
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In many parts of India, people light large bonfires the night before the festival to signify the destruction of evil and victory of good.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
3 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Car rides, hikes, and time around a campfire offer the rare gift of a kid’s total attention, which can invite memorable conversations and storytelling.—
Peyton Roberts,
Travel + Leisure,
12 Mar. 2026
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The crowd gives a sense of international joviality that makes for excellent campfire conversation come nightfall.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
9 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Backfire.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/backfire. Accessed 17 Mar. 2026.
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