BACKFIRE Synonyms: 27 Similar and Opposite Words

backfire 1 of 2

verb

ˈbak-ˌfī(-ə)r

Definition of backfire

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

backfire

2 of 2

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

Verb

This calculation is one reason why vote-buying attempts can backfire, as a vivid example from Mexico shows. — Kenneth Greene, The Conversation, 21 Oct. 2026 Standardize Financial Outputs Trying to force every product line, regional team or acquired business into a single rigid operational process usually backfires. — Kashif Saleem, Forbes.com, 20 Oct. 2026

Noun

More news to know now Could Trump's midterms strategy backfire? — Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 21 May 2026 No, the backfire here would come from the little fact that this campaign will be promoting California just as the governor of our fair state begins in earnest his own campaign to become president of the United States. — Larry Wilson, Oc Register, 14 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for backfire

Recent Examples of Synonyms for backfire

Verb

Support for the populist had eroded since 16 people were killed in 2024 when a concrete canopy collapsed at a train station in Novi Sad.

— JOVANA GEC, Arkansas Online, 26 Oct. 2026
Support for the right-wing populist had eroded since 16 people were killed in 2024 when a concrete canopy collapsed at a train station in Novi Sad.

— Jovana Gec, Los Angeles Times, 25 Oct. 2026

Definition of collapse

Noun

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.

— ABC News, ABC News, 28 June 2026
This Anglican example near Beaufort, South Carolina, was built in the 1740s, but was largely destroyed by a forest fire in 1886.

— Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 17 June 2026

Definition of forest fire

Verb

Because the flopping infraction carries no suspension, George remains fully cleared to suit up Friday when Boston hosts his former team, the Philadelphia 76ers.

— Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 22 Oct. 2026
The importance of competition There are three specific reasons why vote buying usually flops.

— Kenneth Greene, The Conversation, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of flop

Noun

Both scenarios would have devastating consequences—dramatically transforming sea levels and ecosystems, and triggering compounding climate extremes such as higher temperatures and drought, increasing the likelihood of wildfires.

— Simmone Shah, Time, 21 Oct. 2026
Before the 2025 tourist season, local and state officials had an opportunity to safeguard Ruidoso and adapt to the realities of a warming climate that is exacerbating wildfires and flooding.

— Abe Streep, ProPublica, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of wildfire

Noun

Every few days there’s a communal dinner in the boma, which starts with a welcome performance from the team around a bonfire.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Oct. 2026
The event in Poland saw 45 of the brand’s global community of creators, adventurers and wearers arrive in the country for an invite-only Well Worn Blundstone bonfire, as part of the brand’s Well Worn campaign.

— Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of bonfire

Noun

The crew decamped to Joshua Tree, jamming around a campfire and recording in a makeshift studio in their Airbnb.

— Isabelle Farina, Variety, 9 Oct. 2026
Look for notes of black pepper, vanilla, citrus, and maple over an assertive, smoky base made up of flavors like iodine, seaweed, campfire, and licorice, and just a touch of heat on the finish at 46 percent ABV.

— Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of campfire

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backers

backfire

backfired

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Style

“Backfire.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/backfire. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of backfire

verb

noun

Example Sentences

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