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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in forest fire
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of backfire
Brett Samuels, The Hill, 2 Apr. 2025
The move backfired: the bank’s board of governors, on which China remains an observer, removed Claver-Carone after allegations of improper behavior involving a subordinate.
—Matias Spektor, Foreign Affairs, 1 Apr. 2025
Jenny Anderson, The Atlantic, 26 Feb. 2025
Use Blame Language Using blame language, even when justified, inevitably backfires.
—Nik Ershov, Forbes, 2 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for backfire
Verb
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt wouldn’t entertain the notion the tariffs might backfire.
—Brett Samuels, The Hill, 2 Apr. 2025
The move backfired: the bank’s board of governors, on which China remains an observer, removed Claver-Carone after allegations of improper behavior involving a subordinate.
—Matias Spektor, Foreign Affairs, 1 Apr. 2025
Noun
An abundance of other research confirms that nagging backfires.
—Jenny Anderson, The Atlantic, 26 Feb. 2025
Use Blame Language Using blame language, even when justified, inevitably backfires.
—Nik Ershov, Forbes, 2 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for backfire
Recent Examples of Synonyms for backfire
Verb
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Additional footage shows collapsed buildings and wreckage in the streets.—
Scott Neuman,
NPR,
28 Mar. 2025
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The defense that started so well last season collapsed when Billings joined Brisker on the sidelines.—
Phil Rogers,
Forbes.com,
28 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Her cookery show seems to have bombed and the previous podcast deal with Spotify flopped, so the desire to succeed this time is weighing heavily on her shoulders.—
Stephanie Nolasco,
FOXNews.com,
8 Apr. 2025
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If the company’s stock flops, your reward flops too.—
Anatoly Iofe,
Forbes.com,
7 Apr. 2025
Noun
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As of Thursday morning, the fire crew managed to contain 85% of this wildfire.—
CA WILDFIRE BOT,
Sacbee.com,
3 Apr. 2025
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The three dogs were named to be euthanized to make room for the influx of animals that were impacted by the L.A. wildfires.—
Charna Flam,
People.com,
2 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Despite him falling into temptation, Brion and Shanté hashed it all out at the final bonfire and were one of only two couples who agreed to leave the island together.—
Emily Blackwood,
People.com,
20 Mar. 2025
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The nose features fresh maritime aromas with sweet smoke, complemented by red berry notes, caramel-toffee sweetness, and hints of heather and bonfire smoke.—
Joseph V Micallef,
Forbes,
17 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Chicago White Sox After turning heads with last season’s campfire milkshake, Levy chefs are back with something sweet to mark the 125th season of White Sox baseball.—
Nasha Smith,
Forbes.com,
27 Mar. 2025
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And there are so many activities to choose from: archery, pickleball, hiking, yoga, arts and crafts, lawn games, the renowned Cooking and Cocktail Club, card games, hot tub soaks, and s’mores around a campfire.—
Emily LaPointe,
Outside Online,
4 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Backfire.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/backfire. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.
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