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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in forest fire
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
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
-
The quake also caused a skyscraper in Bangkok, Thailand, to collapse.—
Jeanine Santucci,
USA Today,
28 Mar. 2025
-
Dramatic videos show buildings collapsing and swaying in Thailand. 4:09 A powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake rattled much of Southeast Asia on Friday, resulting in mounting casualties and flattened skyscrapers from Myanmar to Thailand.—
Mark Osborne,
ABC News,
28 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
Even Dan Wolken, USA TODAY's most seasoned NCAA March Madness reporter, has already seen his picks flop.—
Nicole Fallert,
USA Today,
27 Mar. 2025
-
The illusion appears to be working until the glue holding the toy together weakens, and the plastic barrel flops downward like a middle-aged Casanova after too many whiskeys.—
Chris Klimek,
Vulture,
27 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
As of Thursday morning, the fire crew managed to contain 85% of this wildfire.—
CA WILDFIRE BOT,
Sacbee.com,
3 Apr. 2025
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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 14 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share