Synonyms of backfired

backfired

verb

past tense of backfire

as in collapsed

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

• collapsed
• flopped
• boomeranged
• folded
• struggled
• floundered
• slipped
• waned
• flunked
• washed out
• slumped
• declined

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• succeeded
• flourished
• prospered
• thrived

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of backfired

Kiffin has run a lot of plays on the way to the top, some for better, and some that backfired. — Marzia Nicolini, Vanity Fair, 19 Sep. 2026

Their choice to rescind a successful field goal and try a Love sneak backfired. — Alec Lewis, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026

Again, the uncertainty that was supposed to generate leverage backfired. — Jonas Nahm, Foreign Affairs, 14 Sep. 2026

Sean McVay’s decision to arrive just a day before kickoff backfired, as Matthew Stafford, Puka Nacua and Davante Adams sputtered while Brock Purdy tossed three touchdowns against a sackless defense. — Los Angeles Times, 11 Sep. 2026

The increase in Treasury yields triggered a sell-off of Asian and Australian bonds, appearing to confirm that US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s attempt to steady the government debt market had backfired. — Jeronimo Gonzalez, semafor.com, 11 Sep. 2026

So far, Trump’s pressure has backfired in Canada, strengthening support for Carney rather than forcing concessions. — Rob Gillies, Fortune, 8 Sep. 2026

The stray remark backfired for Stamos, who received online attacks for being dismissive of the show. — Caitlin Huston, HollywoodReporter, 3 Sep. 2026

Government's efforts to protect consumers backfire Our healthcare reporter reveals how a government fix to help consumers avoid surprise medical bills may have backfired and end up costing consumers much higher insurance premiums. — Medora Lee, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026