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

Analysts say this political fragmentation, which led to the paralysis of parliament after snap elections called by Macron in 2024 backfired, is likely to persist – and is at the core of France’s deepening crisis. — Tim Lister, CNN Money, 19 Oct. 2026

Her emphasis on makeup, bathing and house chores quickly backfired, because she was seen as promoting old-fashioned gender roles and excessive working hours that have long been considered problems in Japan. — ABC News, 15 Oct. 2026

Another man is pulling back after one of his AI photos backfired. — Mary Cunningham, CBS News, 14 Oct. 2026

The decision backfired, as Rams kicker Harrison Mevis’s 48-yard game-winning field goal attempt was blocked by defensive end Greg Rousseau — much to the relief of Cook. — Rohan Nadkarni, NBC news, 13 Oct. 2026

What’s worse, some of its efforts to repair those downward trends have backfired, Fortune’s Phil Wahba reports. — Jim Edwards, Fortune, 7 Oct. 2026

Nathan created an atmosphere of tension that backfired spectacularly by wedging a distance between himself and his deckhands and strengthening the bond between Joe and Cooper. — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 6 Oct. 2026

That strategy backfired horrifically, as Wood fired a pass to wide receiver Ryan Jezioro smack dab in the middle of the endzone. — Austin Perry Outkick, FOXNews.com, 3 Oct. 2026

But using Schembechler’s strategy from the 1980s backfired for Jim Harbaugh in 2016. — Scott Dochterman, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2026