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
Sarah Hernholm, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025
Wanting to leave nothing to chance, Goose (Ruffin Prentiss) spikes Felix’s gum with LSD, but the sabotage backfires when the drugs turn him into an even better pitcher.
—Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 22 May 2025
Sophie Tanno, CNN Money, 6 July 2025
The paper gives a better understanding of previous research and studies, which have sometimes found that plastic bag rules can backfire, creating more absolute plastic litter rather than less.
—Elizabeth Weise, USA Today, 30 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for backfire
Verb
The traditional approach—seeking out the most successful person in your field—often backfires.
—Sarah Hernholm, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025
Wanting to leave nothing to chance, Goose (Ruffin Prentiss) spikes Felix’s gum with LSD, but the sabotage backfires when the drugs turn him into an even better pitcher.
—Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 22 May 2025
Noun
Yet German lawmakers remain divided over the issue, with some fearing the move could backfire and fuel far-right sympathies.
—Sophie Tanno, CNN Money, 6 July 2025
The paper gives a better understanding of previous research and studies, which have sometimes found that plastic bag rules can backfire, creating more absolute plastic litter rather than less.
—Elizabeth Weise, USA Today, 30 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for backfire
Recent Examples of Synonyms for backfire
Verb
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In handcuffs, Miyake collapsed momentarily outside.—
Meredith Colias-Pete,
Chicago Tribune,
14 July 2025
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Together, they’re poised to do something far more radical: collapse the traditional SaaS model and usher in a new era of decentralized, intelligent orchestration.—
Deepinder Singh Sethi,
Forbes.com,
14 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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Despite the devastating wildfires that tore through the historic town of Lahaina in 2023, T+L readers showed their love of Maui by voting it the number one island in Hawaii this year.—
John Wogan,
Travel + Leisure,
8 July 2025
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Last week, the military announced about 200 of those troops would be returned to their units to fight wildfires.—
Christopher Weber,
Chicago Tribune,
8 July 2025
Noun
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The holiday celebrates the beginning of summer and is celebrated with hilltop bonfires and dancing.—
Brandi D. Addison,
Austin American Statesman,
2 July 2025
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This product is flammable, so make sure not to spray it near a grill or bonfire, Vanchinathan said.—
Stephanie Brown,
Verywell Health,
20 June 2025
Noun
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Lighting a campfire and watching as the flames grow and flicker can feel therapeutic — for good reason.—
Angelica Stabile,
FOXNews.com,
9 July 2025
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The thrilling rodeo showcased the talents of both the horses and their riders The thrilling rodeo showcased the talents of both the horses and their riders Westgate River Ranch The experience culminates around a communal campfire.—
Griff Griffin,
MSNBC Newsweek,
9 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Backfire.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/backfire. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.
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