Synonyms of backfire

backfire 1 of 2

verb

as in to collapse

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

• collapse
• flop
• boomerang
• struggle
• fold
• wane
• slip
• flunk
• wash out
• flounder
• slump
• decline

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• succeed
• flourish
• thrive
• prosper

backfire

2 of 2

noun

as in forest fire

Synonyms & Similar Words

• forest fire
• wildfire
• bonfire
• campfire
• conflagration
• brush fire
• inferno
• arson
• blaze
• holocaust
• flare-up