MISFIRE Synonyms: 66 Similar and Opposite Words

misfire 1 of 2

verb

ˌmis-ˈfī(-ə)r

Definition of misfire

as in to fail

to go wrong their scheme to rob the bank misfired disastrously and landed them all in jail

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

misfire

2 of 2

noun

as in catastrophe

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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 misfire

Verb

However, if Winston misfires his way into, say, a two-game losing streak, the coach could get antsy and try to discover in McCarthy what his brother, Jim, found at Michigan. — Doug Haller, New York Times, 4 Oct. 2026 Pollsters approach this year’s midterm elections dogged by high-profile misfires in recent elections while facing challenges from brash rivals intent on reshaping the landscape of political forecasts. — W. Joseph Campbell, The Conversation, 22 Sep. 2026

Noun

But Rubin’s song selection and line of questioning never toss the artist a curious misfire or label fiasco to unpack. — Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 22 Sep. 2026 But while the change of pace undoubtedly felt liberating, the end result comes across as a leaden misfire. — Michael Rechtshaffen, HollywoodReporter, 14 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for misfire

Recent Examples of Synonyms for misfire

Verb

The controversy emphasized how California, where shelters are overflowing with animals, failed to regulate private rescue groups.

— Alene Tchekmedyian, Los Angeles Times, 28 Oct. 2026
However, these efforts have so far failed to significantly alter investor perception.

— , CNBC, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of fail

Noun

Without an authoritative accounting, Eisenkot argues, the country cannot fully reckon with the catastrophe.

— Eric Cortellessa, Time, 25 Oct. 2026
Retreating Iraqi forces set fire to hundreds of oil wells in Kuwait creating an environmental catastrophe felt throughout the Gulf.

— Paula Hancocks, CNN Money, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of catastrophe

Noun

Russia launched more than 20 attacks on Ukraine's Dnipropetrovsk region overnight into Sunday, using drones and an aerial bomb, according to local authorities.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 26 Oct. 2026
In the bottom of the 3rd, the Brewers tied it with a two-run bomb of their own off Bryce Turang’s bat.

— OutKick, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of bomb

Verb

Max Pomeroy returned the ensuing kickoff 49 yards to midfield, but the Argyle drive stalled at the five-yard line and Preston Edwards came on to boot a 22-yard field goal to up the lead to 45-35.

— Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Oct. 2026
Without one, the country risks stalling tools central to its competitiveness, or building them at the expense of the communities next door.

— Neil Chatterjee, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of stall

Noun

Seven years have passed since Cats, but the spectacular musical flop still makes Judi Dench cringe.

— Jake Kanter, Deadline, 20 Oct. 2026
Notable names in this batch include billionaire Mike Novogratz’s Galaxy and tokenization service Securitize, both of which have been public market flops, but not outright debacles.

— Jeff John Roberts, Fortune, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of flop

Noun

And its defense — minus the Week 1 fiasco against the Bears that’s looking more and more like an aberration — is Top 10 in several statistics, including rushing yards allowed.

— Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 25 Oct. 2026
On the 597th Sporticast episode, hosts Scott Soshnick and Eben Novy-Williams discuss some of the biggest sports business stories of the week, including an update on the Milwaukee Brewers’ Timeless Ticket fiasco.

— Scott Soshnick, Sportico.com, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of fiasco

Noun

Even if Theranos had a functioning testing machine, the economic model on which is was based would result in failure.

— Torie Bosch, STAT, 24 Oct. 2026
Even among voters who want Republicans to retain control, 17% cited weak AI and data center oversight — second only to a failure to bring down prices.

— Luke Fountain, CNBC, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of failure

Browse Nearby Words

misfeasors

misfire

misfired

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Misfire.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/misfire. Accessed 29 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of misfire

verb

noun

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