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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of backfire
Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025
But their attempts to address more fundamental corruption backfire; many interpret their pragmatic cooperation with the government as carrying water for Juan Orlando Hernández, a strongman president later exposed as a drug trafficker who is now serving a 45-year sentence in a U.S. penitentiary.
—Katherine Corcoran, New York Times, 20 May 2025
Angela Yang, NBC news, 23 July 2025
So Cuomo’s efforts on that front could end up backfiring.
—Rebecca Schneid, Time, 19 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for backfire
Verb
This is exactly what happened when an interview designed to hype up AEW turned into a PR backfire for all involved.
—Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025
But their attempts to address more fundamental corruption backfire; many interpret their pragmatic cooperation with the government as carrying water for Juan Orlando Hernández, a strongman president later exposed as a drug trafficker who is now serving a 45-year sentence in a U.S. penitentiary.
—Katherine Corcoran, New York Times, 20 May 2025
Noun
But Netanyahu’s bid to appeal to young people appeared to backfire online, where the interview drew widespread criticism from viewers across the political spectrum.
—Angela Yang, NBC news, 23 July 2025
So Cuomo’s efforts on that front could end up backfiring.
—Rebecca Schneid, Time, 19 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for backfire
Recent Examples of Synonyms for backfire
Verb
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The episode ended with a deep-fake public service announcement that showed Trump walking through the desert, taking off his clothes and collapsing nude in the sand.—
Christine Ricciardi,
Chicago Tribune,
25 July 2025
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Just two weeks after collapsing twice during the opening round of the Amundi Evian Championship, Hull returned this week to compete at the ISPS HANDA Women's Scottish Open.—
Devlina Sarkar,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 July 2025
Verb
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However, tall varieties, which can reach 5 feet in height, should be staked to keep them upright and prevent them from flopping over nearby plants.—
Rita Pelczar,
Better Homes & Gardens,
14 July 2025
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During Fan Expo Denver, Fraser gave his take on why the follow-up flopped, per Collider.—
Angel Saunders,
People.com,
11 July 2025
Noun
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Containment is part of a larger plan for managing a wildfire.—
CA WILDFIRE BOT,
Sacbee.com,
21 July 2025
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Canadian wildfire smoke has already moved into northwest Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan this weekend.—
Hope Karnopp,
jsonline.com,
21 July 2025
Noun
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Whether big or small, your backyard is cozy and functional enough to make dinner in, have a bonfire, and even sleep under the stars.—
Claire Hoppe Norgaard,
Better Homes & Gardens,
15 July 2025
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Things went down hill in the relationship in May 2024 when Thurmond took issue with some of the bonfires Rueda was having in her backyard.—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
10 July 2025
Noun
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The Summer Camp Aesthetic, full of nostalgic nods to bunk beds, keychain crafts, and crackling campfires, is popping up in homes this season, blending rustic charm with playful, outdoorsy energy.—
Elizabeth Fogarty,
Better Homes & Gardens,
24 July 2025
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In season 2, Ozzy decided to build a campfire outside his beach house.—
Victoria Edel,
People.com,
22 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Backfire.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/backfire. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.
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