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
Brandon J. Kinne, The Conversation, 14 Jan. 2025
Nvidia and other tech companies have also argued that the rules could backfire by driving buyers in the Middle East, Southeast Asia and elsewhere to Chinese companies like Huawei.
—Ana Swanson, New York Times, 9 Jan. 2025
Luke Smith, The Athletic, 8 July 2024
Not all efforts to solve the world’s problems work—some backfire.
—Eugene Kontorovich, The Atlantic, 27 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for backfire 
Verb
But there has been little research into how government leaders’ words might backfire, encouraging extremists to attack civilians.
—Brandon J. Kinne, The Conversation, 14 Jan. 2025
Nvidia and other tech companies have also argued that the rules could backfire by driving buyers in the Middle East, Southeast Asia and elsewhere to Chinese companies like Huawei.
—Ana Swanson, New York Times, 9 Jan. 2025
Noun
Red Bull had already rolled the dice with Sergio Pérez, who ran well outside of the points, and seen that backfire with the Mexican driver getting lapped by his teammate.
—Luke Smith, The Athletic, 8 July 2024
Not all efforts to solve the world’s problems work—some backfire.
—Eugene Kontorovich, The Atlantic, 27 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for backfire
Recent Examples of Synonyms for backfire
Verb
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According to a 2021 Government Accountability Office report, collapsing the D.C. office drove out the agency’s most experienced employees and more than doubled the number of vacancies.—
Frederick Reimers,
Outside Online,
27 Jan. 2025
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Because several portions of the building had collapsed, firefighters were attempting to subdue the blaze from outside, Baltimore County Fire Department Cpt.—
Todd Karpovich,
Baltimore Sun,
25 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Then there is the reverse effect – coaches who have great pressers that ultimately flop.—
Scott Thompson,
Fox News,
28 Jan. 2025
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Then, in another sequence, Mahomes took a pratfall, aka flop.—
Bob Raissman,
New York Daily News,
25 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Bill Burr and Shane Gillis are teaming up for a one-night comedy event to benefit those affected by the L.A wildfires.—
Anna Tingley,
Variety,
21 Jan. 2025
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With Bass now facing backlash for her response to the preparation and response to the region’s wildfires, Caruso has become a frequent critic of her and the city’s response to the crisis.—
Julia Manchester,
The Hill,
21 Jan. 2025
Noun
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The infusion of peat and sugar kelp introduces notes of bonfire smoke, heather, and maritime elements, balanced by the fruitiness from the red wine cask maturation.—
Joseph V Micallef,
Forbes,
17 Jan. 2025
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These chilly temps usually bring falling iguanas, dogs in puffer jackets and backyard bonfires.—
Martin Vassolo,
Axios,
10 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Following the dinner, guests relax by a campfire on the tidal flats to enjoy dessert with a view of the incoming tide.—
Caitlin Palumbo,
Forbes,
15 Jan. 2025
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After a long day of hiking, relax by the campfire, toast marshmallows, and swap stories with fellow travelers.—
Annabelle Canela,
Parents,
14 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near backfire
Cite this Entry
“Backfire.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/backfire. Accessed 2 Feb. 2025.
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