as in failed
to go wrong
their scheme to rob the bank misfired disastrously and landed them all in jail
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Recent Examples of misfired
Stars forward Arttu Hyry had what appeared to be a wide-open look at a tying goal in the slot, but misfired as the puck fluttered over the net.
—
ABC News, 4 Apr. 2026
On the next sequence, after Traoré misfired, Devin Carter hit a six-footer to cap a 7-0 run.
—C.j. Holmes, New York Daily News, 23 Mar. 2026
His teammates combined for just eight first-quarter points and misfired on all six of their 3-point attempts.
—Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 23 Mar. 2026
Maroun said Qlayaa was not only vulnerable to Israeli attacks, but also had been hit by what appeared to be Hezbollah rockets that had misfired or fallen short of their targets.
—Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 11 Mar. 2026
Mirkovic worked free for a layup inside, and Maryland's next possession went about as badly as possible when the Terrapins used most of the shot clock before Andre Mills misfired from 3-point range.
—CBS News, 8 Mar. 2026
The Mavericks were unable to execute on the final play of the game as Khris Middleton misfired on a pass intended for Flagg, leading to the Mavericks’ fifth straight loss — a 115-114 decision at Kia Center.
—Mike Curtis, Dallas Morning News, 6 Mar. 2026
Instead, Donovan Atwell, who was 4-of-13 from 3 misfired from the corner with six seconds remaining and Tech still down 3.
—Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 3 Feb. 2026
Even if the Rams had scored with, say, 90 seconds to go instead of 38 seconds, because a blitz misfired, at least Carolina would have had time to try for a tying field goal and send the game into OT.
—Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 11 Jan. 2026
ABC News, 4 Apr. 2026
On the next sequence, after Traoré misfired, Devin Carter hit a six-footer to cap a 7-0 run.
—C.j. Holmes, New York Daily News, 23 Mar. 2026
His teammates combined for just eight first-quarter points and misfired on all six of their 3-point attempts.
—Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 23 Mar. 2026
Maroun said Qlayaa was not only vulnerable to Israeli attacks, but also had been hit by what appeared to be Hezbollah rockets that had misfired or fallen short of their targets.
—Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 11 Mar. 2026
Mirkovic worked free for a layup inside, and Maryland's next possession went about as badly as possible when the Terrapins used most of the shot clock before Andre Mills misfired from 3-point range.
—CBS News, 8 Mar. 2026
The Mavericks were unable to execute on the final play of the game as Khris Middleton misfired on a pass intended for Flagg, leading to the Mavericks’ fifth straight loss — a 115-114 decision at Kia Center.
—Mike Curtis, Dallas Morning News, 6 Mar. 2026
Instead, Donovan Atwell, who was 4-of-13 from 3 misfired from the corner with six seconds remaining and Tech still down 3.
—Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 3 Feb. 2026
Even if the Rams had scored with, say, 90 seconds to go instead of 38 seconds, because a blitz misfired, at least Carolina would have had time to try for a tying field goal and send the game into OT.
—Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 11 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for misfired
Verb
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Both sides have tried and failed to advance their partisan priorities the last few months.—
Caroline Cummings,
CBS News,
16 Apr. 2026
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Former administrators of Freidenrich’s office have said that her investments were too conservative and failed to generate adequate returns.—
Claire Wang,
Oc Register,
15 Apr. 2026
Verb
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This comes as another measure focused on transparency is stalled in the House.—
Ubah Ali,
CBS News,
15 Apr. 2026
-
Peace talks with international mediators have stalled, with both sides accusing each other of acting in bad faith.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
14 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Gutierrez had been held hostage alongside two of his nieces, one of whom was three months pregnant and subsequently miscarried.—
Graham Womack,
Sacbee.com,
3 Apr. 2026
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Cillíní were reserved for babies who were stillborn, miscarried, or died at birth without having been baptized.—
Maria Mocerino,
Interesting Engineering,
8 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Misfired.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/misfired. Accessed 20 Apr. 2026.
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