as in collapses
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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 backfires
ABC News, 24 Apr. 2026
Back on the boy-toy front, Deborah’s PR stunt backfires both personally and professionally.
—Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 24 Apr. 2026
The system can also be triggered by sounds like fireworks, car backfires or construction noise and has been criticized for focusing police attention on low-income communities with non-white residents.
—Shelly Bradbury, Denver Post, 15 Apr. 2026
If logistics fail, traffic becomes unmanageable or the fan experience is poor, this high-profile endorsement backfires.
—Tim Derdenger, The Conversation, 7 Apr. 2026
Continue reading … MUSICAL MAYHEM — First-ever Final Four concert backfires as fans rip NCAA over game delays.
—FOXNews.com, 6 Apr. 2026
There are a lot of studies that show that cultivating any emotional state — happiness in particular, but also calmness or lack of anxiety — actually backfires.
—Keith Wagstaff, Los Angeles Times, 2 Apr. 2026
Taking away something a child is playing with usually backfires as well.
—Melissa Willets, Parents, 2 Apr. 2026
Gavin Newsom loves to brag about his accomplishments as governor — a syndrome that sometimes backfires when reality raises its ugly head.
—Dan Walters, Mercury News, 27 Mar. 2026
Verb
And sometimes the gotcha nature of the reports backfires.
—ABC News, 24 Apr. 2026
Back on the boy-toy front, Deborah’s PR stunt backfires both personally and professionally.
—Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 24 Apr. 2026
The system can also be triggered by sounds like fireworks, car backfires or construction noise and has been criticized for focusing police attention on low-income communities with non-white residents.
—Shelly Bradbury, Denver Post, 15 Apr. 2026
If logistics fail, traffic becomes unmanageable or the fan experience is poor, this high-profile endorsement backfires.
—Tim Derdenger, The Conversation, 7 Apr. 2026
Continue reading … MUSICAL MAYHEM — First-ever Final Four concert backfires as fans rip NCAA over game delays.
—FOXNews.com, 6 Apr. 2026
There are a lot of studies that show that cultivating any emotional state — happiness in particular, but also calmness or lack of anxiety — actually backfires.
—Keith Wagstaff, Los Angeles Times, 2 Apr. 2026
Taking away something a child is playing with usually backfires as well.
—Melissa Willets, Parents, 2 Apr. 2026
Gavin Newsom loves to brag about his accomplishments as governor — a syndrome that sometimes backfires when reality raises its ugly head.
—Dan Walters, Mercury News, 27 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for backfires
Verb
-
As the video demonstrates, von Ensingen’s drawing (not in the show, alas) collapses all the levels, complete with stairs, setbacks, vaults, and columns, onto a single plane.—
Justin Davidson,
Curbed,
23 Apr. 2026
-
For Tottenham, what once felt unthinkable is fast becoming one of the most remarkable collapses the 34-year Premier League era has seen.—
Dean Jones,
New York Times,
22 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Fortunately for shareholders, the stock grants come with a feature similar to equity options that somewhat reduces Musk’s payday, especially in a case like the one above where the plan flops.—
Shawn Tully,
Fortune,
29 Nov. 2025
-
Amina blows her mom a kiss and then flops down in her crib, pretending to be asleep.—
Daniella Gray,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Now, as part of the Netflix Is a Joke comedy festival, Cole is looking forward to doing a set for Altadena residents to raise money for ongoing relief in the aftermath of the 2025 wildfires that decimated much of the area.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
30 Apr. 2026
-
But firefighters were hoping that the region would receive the sort of abundant spring rains that keep chaparral wet for longer periods of time, especially in the backcountry, where most big wildfires occur.—
Gary Robbins,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
30 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
This setup is ultra-welcoming and can accommodate a large crew—bring on the s'mores and bonfires this summer.—
Sarah Lyon,
The Spruce,
28 Apr. 2026
-
Beach bonfires are now banned along the Outer Banks due to the worsening drought in North Carolina.—
Mark Price
April 23,
Charlotte Observer,
23 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Backfires.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/backfires. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
