MIS-FIRES Synonyms: 67 Similar and Opposite Words

misfires 1 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of misfire

as in fails

to go wrong their scheme to rob the bank misfired disastrously and landed them all in jail

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misfires

2 of 2

noun

plural of misfire

as in bombs

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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 misfires

Verb

Kennedy misfires Many of Kennedy's claims so far on autism have not withstood scientific scrutiny. — Amanda Seitz, CBS News, 17 Aug. 2026 Ackman’s misfires, though, have been offset by some prescient investments in the face of black swan events like the subprime mortgage crisis and COVID, cementing his reputation as one of the shrewdest and most daring risk-takers on Wall Street. — Jeff John Roberts, Fortune, 20 July 2026 But the Raiders organization is rife with quarterback misfires in its recent history. — Armando Salguero Outkick, FOXNews.com, 24 Apr. 2026 Sig Sauer faces a class action suit over claims that its P320 pistol misfires. — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 15 Apr. 2026 And research into why the brain misfires. — Teri Sforza, Oc Register, 27 Mar. 2026 That optimism may be a bit misguided, considering the history of emerging sports league misfires. — Justin Birnbaum, Sportico.com, 18 Mar. 2026 The brain misfires on what feels charged or taboo. — Peter White, Deadline, 24 Feb. 2026 As Wiener, the show’s curator, walks me through, her narration inevitably turns into a litany of the artist’s almosts, misfires, and losses. — Christopher Bonanos, Curbed, 4 Feb. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for misfires

Verb

The company never fails to emphasize that its frequent interventions are designed to provide a more accurate picture of media consumption—which, as everyone at least seems to agree, is what it’s accomplished with its out-of-home measurement.

— Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 21 Aug. 2026
Why Resistance Deserves More Attention A focus on resistance is important because resistance is often where change fails operationally.

— John Radman, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of fails

Noun

Stephanie Leshney, founder of Dabble & Dollop, harnessed her more than two decades in the natural ingredient industry to create her line of minimal ingredients, especially bath bombs.

— Faye Brookman, Footwear News, 21 Aug. 2026
Witnesses say fighter jets dropped two bombs minutes apart on Swel Le Oh village, near Mandalay, as more than 100 worshipers gathered, forcing survivors to flee after cremating victims.

— Grant Peck, Los Angeles Times, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of bombs

Noun

Finish the look off with an elevated sandal like these minimalist flip flops from Dolce Vita or with feminine Mary Janes like Carel’s iconic Kina, and a statement bag like the Tommy from Staud.

— Caroline Reilly, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
Acid hues aren't limited to athletic sneakers or flip flops any more—they're also now on the heels of elegant, tasteful women.

— Renata Joffre, Glamour, 25 July 2026

Definition of flops

Noun

During more than 2,600 test interactions, researchers found inaccurate answers, weak sources, and serious safety failures.

— Dan Fitzpatrick, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026
Rather than actual service failures, those logistical wrinkles serve as reminders that beneath the polished five-star veneer sits a functioning medical practice attempting to reconcile luxury hospitality with individualized medicine.

— Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 23 Aug. 2026

Definition of failures

Verb

But that misses the delight Arzner took in her stars and in the backlot drama of the studios.

— Anne E. Fernald, Literary Hub, 19 Aug. 2026
Big misses in the recent Michigan and Wisconsin Democratic primaries left some proclaiming (again) that no one should trust the polls.

— Henry Olsen, Washington Post, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of misses

Noun

Regular-season sked out mid-August will reveal Giannis’ for-real home unveiling, plus first visits by LeBron as a 76er and Tyler Herro in Milwaukee duds.

— Greg Cote August 2, Miami Herald, 2 Aug. 2026
Big Tex’s new duds This State Fair of Texas news comes as a full circle moment for Resistol.

— Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 July 2026

Definition of duds

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“Misfires.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/misfires. Accessed 24 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of misfires

verb

noun

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