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
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Recent Examples of backfires
Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 25 Sep. 2025
When a truck backfires on the street outside her office, a colleague is spooked, but Ziva stays perfectly calm — a moment that gains added importance soon enough.
—Matt Webb Mitovich, TVLine, 4 Sep. 2025
But just as everything falls into place, a work idea backfires, and the fallout cascades into heartbreak and career setbacks.
—Lexi Carson, HollywoodReporter, 23 Aug. 2025
But Fukuyama warned that getting too close to political figures often backfires.
—Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 7 Aug. 2025
Noun
The attempt has sparked debate, however, over the possibility of what’s often called a dummymander, in which a gerrymander backfires.
—Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 25 Sep. 2025
When a truck backfires on the street outside her office, a colleague is spooked, but Ziva stays perfectly calm — a moment that gains added importance soon enough.
—Matt Webb Mitovich, TVLine, 4 Sep. 2025
But just as everything falls into place, a work idea backfires, and the fallout cascades into heartbreak and career setbacks.
—Lexi Carson, HollywoodReporter, 23 Aug. 2025
But Fukuyama warned that getting too close to political figures often backfires.
—Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 7 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for backfires
Verb
-
The New York Mets’ and Detroit Tigers’ collapses.—
Levi Weaver,
New York Times,
30 Sep. 2025
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Moments later, Young collapses.—
Sara Vallone,
Miami Herald,
28 Sep. 2025
Verb
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At one point, Alex comes over to recheck his map and, seeing Rizo attempt to analyze his work, flops over on the puzzle, causing Rizo to pause.—
Jason P. Frank,
Vulture,
25 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Throughout his career, Zilber helped plant millions of trees and was a part of the state's response efforts for severe weather events, including wildfires, floods and tornadoes.—
Maia Pandey,
jsonline.com,
4 Oct. 2025
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The number of people using the FAIR plan for fire insurance has increased dramatically in recent years as companies have pulled back business in the state due to losses caused by major wildfires arising from risks due to climate change and other factors.—
Stephen Hobbs,
Sacbee.com,
3 Oct. 2025
Noun
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State Beach has ample parking, public facilities, beachside eateries, picnic areas, walking and biking paths and more than 200 free fire pits for beachside bonfires.—
Greg Mellen,
Oc Register,
19 Sep. 2025
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Campfire Song At Rusty’s Lakeside Pub in Scottsville, Kentucky, with the cooler weather, everyone is ready for football, jeans, and bonfires.—
Aly Walansky,
Forbes.com,
13 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Backfires.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/backfires. Accessed 7 Oct. 2025.
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