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
Related Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of backfire
semafor.com,
22 June 2026
That campaign largely backfired, as USA TODAY previously reported.
—
Drew Pittock,
USA Today,
19 June 2026
Matt Schneidman,
New York Times,
10 Sep. 2025
This can cause the airflow to slow down, stagnate, or even reverse, potentially resulting in backfire-like sounds and visible flames from the engine inlet or exhaust.
—
Soo Kim,
MSNBC Newsweek,
20 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for backfire
Verb
But some mining experts argue that refining is the most volatile part of the minerals value chain and can sometimes backfire.
—
semafor.com,
22 June 2026
That campaign largely backfired, as USA TODAY previously reported.
—
Drew Pittock,
USA Today,
19 June 2026
Noun
Parsons was asked on Tuesday, ahead of Thursday night’s Packers-Commanders tilt at Lambeau Field, about picking your spots when rushing against Daniels, given his ability to make an overzealous rush plan backfire by escaping the pocket.
—
Matt Schneidman,
New York Times,
10 Sep. 2025
This can cause the airflow to slow down, stagnate, or even reverse, potentially resulting in backfire-like sounds and visible flames from the engine inlet or exhaust.
—
Soo Kim,
MSNBC Newsweek,
20 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for backfire
Recent Examples of Synonyms for backfire
Verb
-
When AllHere collapsed in mid-2024, the district — with Carvalho’s support — launched an internal review.
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At least 383 buildings and over 1,000 other structures had collapsed or were heavily affected, and officials were still assessing the damage.
Noun
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Similarly, a major firefighting operation was underway in southwest Germany near the village of Traisen, where the heat sparked a forest fire in an area that also contained unexploded ordnance.
-
This Anglican example near Beaufort, South Carolina, was built in the 1740s, but was largely destroyed by a forest fire in 1886.
Verb
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This one kinda flopped Stateside but was pretty big around the world.
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The record flopped — but their next, Sounds of Silence, fared better, thanks to their sumptuous harmonies and Garfunkel’s hauntingly emotive voice.
Noun
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Fireworks from formal rocket shows to impromptu street celebrations can create extremely unhealthy air quality, sometimes rivaling what comes from wildfires.
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This year’s celebration comes on the heels of a late June warehouse fire in Boyle Heights that released extraordinary amounts of soot and smoke across the county, on par with pollution generated by the previous year’s wildfires.
Noun
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There is also plenty of pomp, along with bells, bonfires, and illuminations.
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During mosquito season, Mosquito Joe will spray your yard every three weeks to make your backyard paradise for summer BBQs, pool days and bonfires.
Noun
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The Mountain View Grand Resort and Spa has family-friendly activities like hiking, biking, and an evening campfire.
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These 4-ounce Yeti Rambler cups are ideal for a morning espresso or a small pour of scotch by the campfire.
Cite this Entry
“Backfire.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/backfire. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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