backfire
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
But without incentives for companies to voluntarily relocate, the massive investment could backfire, warned Kim Dae-jong, a professor of Business Administration at Sejong University.
From Barron's • Jun. 29, 2026
If prosecutors do turn up evidence of wrongdoing, Newsom’s decision to parade his indignation could backfire.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 16, 2026
Wilson, who was the biographer for A. Philip Randolph, the iconic civil rights and labor leader, said the Ohio FBI raids “were an act of desperation that will backfire and only inspire greater voter turnout.”
From Salon • Jun. 16, 2026
But he warned that pushing too far could backfire: “If something gets too expensive, people will start developing ways to avoid using it.”
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 12, 2026
I stood in front of her, shaking all over, hands at my sides, martyrlike, fully aware of the dramatic moment that might backfire but willing to take the chance.
From "When I Was Puerto Rican" by Esmeralda Santiago
Vocabulary lists containing backfire
"Diary of a Wimpy Kid" by Jeff Kinney
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
"Laws are not the only way to boost immunization”: an editorial from Nature
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Catching Fire
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
